Put on your 16th century party hat and celebrate St. Augustine’s 443rd Birthday!
On Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Native American village of Seloy (now the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park) will come alive with demonstrations of culture and lifestyles of the Timucua who had been living here for at least 500 years when the Spanish arrived in 1565. The Seminoles and other U.S. tribes that have been part of Florida’s history will also be represented. That evening, an Indian Pow Wow will honor the Native American traditions that are a part of the city’s history.
On Friday evening, the gardens surrounding the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum located at 19 San Marco Avenue, will feature a variety of 16th century entertainers including jugglers, madrigal singers and actors presenting authentic skits and comedies.
On Saturday, the Birthday Celebration continues at 9:30 a.m. with a re-enactment of the landing by the city’s founder, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, at the Mission of Nombre de Dios – the 1565 landing point of the Spanish colonists. The landing re-enactment will be followed, as it was 443 years ago, with a celebration of Mass. Beginning at noon, on the grounds of the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, there will be a living timeline that represents the 443 years of the city’s history. Authentically-clad re-enactors will tell the city’s story through presentations by crafters, militia, pirates and more. Then at 1 p.m. there will be a Cooking Contest where foods dating from the 16th century will be presented and judged. There will be plenty of food on hand for sampling the Spanish flavors that have influenced the culinary culture of St. Augustine. From noon to 4 p.m., the St. Augustine Textile Guild will provide demonstrations of historic spinning and weaving techniques at the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse on St. George Street. Beginning at 1 p.m., the day’s activities culminate at the 443rd Birthday Party at the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum on St. George Street where there will be live musical entertainment by The Driftwoods and free birthday cake for all until 3 p.m. Admission to each St. Augustine 443rd Birthday Celebration event is free.
Call the CVB for more information at 800-653-2489