Tens-of-thousands of people packed downtown Santa Barbara on Saturday to dance, twirl and celebrate Summer Solstice.
Confetti, bubbles, floats, vibrant colors were everywhere at the 52nd Summer Solstice parade, which began at the corner of Ortega and Santa Barbara streets.
This year’s theme was the “Wave.”
Parade participants walked Santa Barbara street in bright costumes, while attendees could be seen with joyous smiles. Bubbles and music were prominent in the area, with many parade-goers joining the parade to dance, bringing everyone together.
Summer Solstice began in 1974 as a birthday celebration for popular artist and mime, Michael Gonzales.
It emerged as a giant party festival for the entire Santa Barbara Community.
The parade concluded at Alameda Park, where people had the chance to listen to free musical performances, dance on designated dance floors, eat at food booths and see local vendors for a chance to be a part of the Summer Solstice festival.
Parade dancers fill Santa Barbara street during the 52nd Summer Solstice parade. (Viviana Ruiz/Santa Barbara News-Press) 
The Brasscals take on the Summer Solstice parade on June 20 performing live music. (Viviana Ruiz/Santa Barbara News-Press) 
The Sad Clowns engage with the parade crowd on Santa Barbara street. (Viviana Ruiz/Santa Barbara News-Press) 
Bubbles appear throughout the Summer Solstice parade on Santa Barbara street. (Viviana Ruiz/Santa Barbara News-Press) 
City Council member Oscar Gutierrez smiles at the crowd during the Summer Solstice parade. (Viviana Ruiz/Santa Barbara News-Press) 
The famous Summer Solstice dragon appears at Santa Barbara’s annual Summer Solstice parade. The dragon was created by artist Pali-X-Mano. (Santa Barbara News-Press) 
A pizza man throws dough in the air and wows the crowd on Santa Barbara street. (Viviana Ruiz/Santa Barbara News-Press)
