In 2005, a small group of community volunteers, Las Madrinas, gathered together to organize the Rebozo Festival; a benefit event to raise funds for various Ventura County non-profit charitable organizations focusing on the cultural, social and educational needs of the community. The event promotes the rich cultural heritage of our area by highlighting the colorful Mexican rebozo (shawl) as our theme.

The event has been an overwhelming success largely due to the generous donations of committee members who have provided the food, drinks, location, decorations and entertainment. The three-hour brunch event includes a fashion show showcasing the rebozo, a silent and a live auction, as well as, entertainment. Those who have attended in the past represented a spectrum of generations and were active participants who donned their favorite, vibrant and brilliant rebozo.

Many local sponsors have generously supported the event. The event has funded performing arts programs (Mariachi classes) for the Oxnard Union High School District. Other notable recipients include the United Way Community Action Fund, and the Oxnard College Women’s Re-entry Program among other organizations.

Our vision is to facilitate the development of the festival into a prominent and annual Southern California event. Initially our event was held in the exquisite backyard of founding member Irma Lopez in Oxnard. Due to our overwhelming success, we have outgrown our original location and the 2008 festival will be held at the historic Camarillo Ranch House, a perfect backdrop to exhibit our diverse history and culture while raising funds for deserving causes in Ventura County.