The San Clemente Fiesta Street Festival is one of the most fun events of the summer. Three stages with great bands, food and game booths, the salsa challenge, an art and craft exhibit, a tortilla toss and many children’s activities all go into making this the festival of the summer.
Details:
When: Sunday, August 14 from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: downtown San Clemente with most of the activities on Del Mar
Free Admission
Free Parking & Round Trip Shuttle Service – park at San Clemente High School and take one of 3 shuttles between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm.
Classic Car & Harley Show – 9:00 am until 3:00 pm, located on the corner of Del Mar and N. Seville
Salsa Contest & Salsa Tasting – located at 100 N. Seville
Avenida Del Mar – exhibits, food booths, vendors and arts & crafts
Fiesta Street Festival Tee Shirts – commemorative t-shirts, designed by internationally known artists Kimberleigh & Paul Gavin will be available for purchase
History
The Fiesta celebration began in 1954 when Jennie Bartlett wrote “La Christianita”, a pageant depicting the baptism of two Indian girls, and the community theater decided to enact it. The San Clemente chamber of commerce sponsored the event along with a parade. Civic and church organizations joined in the effort and the Fiesta was held May 15 and 16 of that year. The Fiesta events continued each year with few changes. In 1986, the block party on Del Mar began with the traditional food and game booths from local organizations. Live music, entertainment, a petting zoo, a cars & motorcyle show, contests and a salsa challenge were added to the fun. -From the Chamber of Commerce 2011 Souvenir Program
I have to say I wasn’t very impressed with this year’s Fiesta. A very young crowd that seemed mostly interested in getting drunk. It didn’t have the laid-back vibe that “feels” more like San Clemente.
Unfortunately, I have to agree with you, Jeff. I was excited about the event and then was disappointed. I enjoyed the Seafest and the Car Show much more.