The 2016 Spirit of Fiesta

Alexis Simentales, an 18-year-old Santa Barbara native, exuded beauty, grace and stunning talent. She has been dancing since she was 2½ years old and has participated in every Fiesta since.

She is a full-time student at Santa Barbara City College, where she is studying to be a neonatal registered nurse. She also works as a behavioral aide at Hillside House and volunteers at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, in addition to putting in long hours of dance practice.

In becoming this year’s Spirit, Simentales is upholding a family tradition — there are five past Spirits of Fiesta in her extended family.

While laughing softly and taking my arm, she assured me that there was no pressure. This is her third time auditioning, and she told me with the sweetest smile that  “the third time is very much the charm.”

Simentales related that the best part about being the Spirit is the opportunity to “represent the  community with all the passion and love that we have here in Santa Barbara.”

She has studied dance at three studios, including at Zermeno Dance Academy for the past five years.

Photo: Alexis Simentales was named the 2016 Spirit of Fiesta and Sarah Naretto the Junior Spirit.