Santa Barbara boasts a robust Mexican-American community, whose culture and influence permeates our town. From our famed tacos to mariachi masters and more, our city’s riches include a plethora of experiences from México, a country of which California was once a part. Though California joined the United States in 1850, our ties to México remain strong; one of our Sister Cities is Puerta Vallarta, MEX, and each year Santa Barbara hosts friends and does exchanges with representatives from this popular vacation getaway spot.
Start by delving into large collections of Mexican folk art, ranging from pre-hispanic to current day, including artifacts such as Talavera from Puebla and Alebrijes from Oaxaca at Casa Dolores. The Botiller Adobe—the only remaining two-story adobe in the city—houses this museum, which is also known as the Center for the Study of the Popular Arts of Mexico. Explore every part of the house to appreciate the history that resides within.
General Vallejo's Sahumandor (perfumer. Maker unknown, Mexican, c. 1823-43. Pure silver. Gift of Pearl Chase. 50.60.10.2. Courtesy of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
Check out the Santa Barbara Historical Museum’s “The Story of Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Under Mexican Rule” exhibition to brush up on our history as part of Alta California. Of particular note is General Vallejo’s chair and several oil paintings of notable persons. Considering that this exhibition is permanent, feel free to stop by at your leisure during their open hours.
The Buenaventura Pico Adobe, located at 920 Anacapa Street on the grounds of El Presidio de Santa Barbara, is a Mexican-period adobe. View the exterior of this historic structure to get a sense of our city in the 1830s under Mexican rule.
While Fiesta–our famed festival, which runs from August 3–7—is known as Old Spanish Days, many of the sights, sounds, and tastes you will experience are Mexican in origin.
Courtesy of Old Spanish Days- Fiesta
Catch Las Noches de Ronda, a nightly celebration taking place from August 4–6, 8 pm, at our Santa Barbara County Courthouse sunken gardens, which features many of our residents performing traditional dances. Of particular note are the Mexican Folklórico dances, a style of dancing which features colorful costumes, heel stomping, and references to folk tales.
Take part in the heart of Fiesta as you stroll through the colorful el Mercado de la Guerra, located in de la Guerra Plaza downtown. Tacos, tamales, and fresh fruit await the hungry traveler. Mexican crafts and souvenirs, such as dresses, Lucha Libre masks, sombreros, and more are available for purchase. Live entertainment, often featuring Spanish-language vocals and local acts, starts in the morning and continues well into the evening. Acts will be announced in late July. For more information, click the link below!
Courtesy of the Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
The 21st annual Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival returns to the Santa Barbara Bowl on August 6th. Co-founded by prominent Mexican-American city leaders Salud Carbajal and the late Alberto Pizano, the mission of the festival is to promote and preserve the tradition of mariachi music. Mariachi music was developed in the 19th century in México and often features stringed instruments, trumpets, and vocals; distinctive decorative costumes; and rhythms similar to polkas and waltzes. By bathing in the beautiful mariachi melodies, you will also support advocates for creating a brighter future for Santa Barbara’s Latino youths, as this festival also serves as a non-profit organization that provides educational scholarships to Latinos in our midst.
While La Super-Rica, a taquería lauded by Julia Child and recently immortalized by Katy Perry in her song “This Is How We Do,” is perhaps our most well-known eatery, a multitude of other tasty Mexican restaurants flourish here.
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food to enjoy during your stay, pop into one of downtown’s hidden gems and an award-winning taco shop: Lilly’s Taquería. Here, explore the world of tacos, including more adventurous options such as labia, cabeza, oja y mas (Beef lip, head, eyes and more) as well as more typical meat offerings and vegetarian option for the herbivores.
Can’t fathom a stop in Santa Barbara without some Mexican Food on Milpas? Try Los Agaves. Indulge your taste buds with their specials such as Molcajetes to Mole Enchiladas or simple tasty fare such as fajita burritos or taquitos and tacos. A local favorite, this Mexican restaurant has a short wait at peak times, but it’s well worth it!
Maria Rendón's "Snowman"
Upon returning to the hotel, we recommend contemplating artworks by local resident and México City native, Maria Rendón. Her contemporary, abstract paintings explore “the impression of what is not there” and “what is there” and how transitory our world is. Be sure to see her piece “Snowman” which cascades down from above our stairway as part of our MCASB “Shift, Stretch, Expand: Everyday Transformations” exhibition.
For those who would like to read news in Spanish, Santa Barbara’s bilingual paper El Latino is available online.
We hope you enjoy experiencing Santa Barbara’s Mexican-American culture!