ST. AUGUSTINE – A colorful re-enactment of 18th century British military life will take place November 30 -December 1 in St. Augustine — the Nation’s oldest city. One of the most colorful and exciting events of the holiday season, the 32nd annual presentation of Grande Illumination and British Night Watch will feature an entertaining and educational blend of pageantry and authentic historical presentations describing life in St. Augustine when it was part of the British Empire (1763-1784).
The weekend celebration begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 30 when re-enactors portraying British Loyalist fleeing from Charleston, South Carolina to a haven in St. Augustine arrive at the City Gate at the north end of St. George Street. Just as happened 225 years ago, the exhausted Loyalist men, women and children escaping from the American Revolutionaries will arrive at the gate carrying all of their worldly possessions. After their identity papers are checked, they will be admitted into the city where they will be safe from the rampaging Americans who are in revolt against the King. The British soldiers and civilians will then encamp on the grounds of the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum, 53 St. George Street. On Saturday, the British Camp will be open to the public from 9 a.m. until dusk.
Civility returns on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. when an 18th century British Fashion Show will take place at the camp in the Spanish Quarter. The Loyalists will parade in their finery, there will be a discussion of period clothing, and the latest parasols will be presented. At 1:30 p.m., the military units will march from the camp to the Castillo de San Marcos where they will drill and receive their pay.
At 4 p.m., the public is invited to attend an Afternoon Garden Party to be presented in the Spanish Garden at the corner of Hypolita and St. George Streets. This late afternoon repast will feature authentic music and dance – and refreshments.
The highlight of Grande Illumination will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday when the British troops, their Native American allies and camp followers assemble to the beating of drums and the music of fifes at the De Mesa House on St. George Street. At 8 p.m., this colorful contingent will parade by torchlight to the Government House where they will hear a holiday proclamation from the governor before embarking on a festive march through the historic district. The public will be invited to light a candle and join in the boisterous parade through the town. A musket volley of joy and general revelry by everyone involved will add to the holiday spirit.
All of the events associated with Grande Illumination and British Night Watch are open to the public and admission is free. The events are supported by a grant from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. For more information, call 904.829.5318 or visit www.britishnightwatch.org .
To find out more about vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, contact the Visitors and Convention Bureau at 1.800.653.2489 or go to www.Getaway4Florida.com .