Summer Solstice brings seaside fantasy to Santa Barbara

Summer Solstice Parade began in 1974, as a birthday celebration for a popular artist and mime named Michael Gonzales. Today, the Summer Solstice Celebration has evolved into creative and original display of floats, whimsical costumes and masks of more than 1,000 parade participants of all ethnic and economic backgrounds. There is dancing, music, drumming and drama that enthralls the spectators. Each year there is a theme and this year's theme was splash.The Parade is the largest, single-day arts event in Santa Barbara County, drawing crowds of over 100,000 spectators from around the world. From these humble beginnings arose a celebration of life that is like no other.

Once the parade ends, the solstice festival continues in Alameda Park, but was originally held at the sunken gardens of the County Courthouse. When the number of people outgrew the size of the courthouse the event was then moved to Alameda Park. The Alameda Park is where everyone can enjoy a wonderful eclectic collection of live world music including famous local groups, food, arts and crafts. On Saturday only is a special free children’s festival and a DJ area for dancing and enjoying techno music and a large drum circle keeps the beat going all afternoon. The festival now opens on Friday night and that evening is a music, dance and performance extravaganza that also includes a peak at some of the participants in the parade on the following day. Local talent is showcased at this event. Our arts and crafts area features a juried “fine art” area as well as an area for crafts from local artisans as well as from around the world.

Check out some photos of this year's event below. For more info on the parade and past year's festivals, click here.