Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade

Originating as a birthday celebration, Santa Barbara, California's Summer Solstice Parade began in 1974.

This parade was created by Michael Gonzalez, a Santa Barbara resident and a mime and artist.

[1] The parade is the largest single-day event in Santa Barbara County,[2] attracting crowds of 100,000 people or more.

Weeks prior to the day of the parade, a workshop is opened where participating artists and technicians work with the community to conceive ideas, build floats, make costumes, and put their performances together.

[3] Each year the parade grew until this annual event encompassed street fairs, concerts, theatre performances, floats, costumes, and dancing ensembles.