Exotic sights, sounds and flavors will fill the streets of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Amelia Island’s historic city, during the Fiesta de Santa Maria, paying tribute to the town’s Latin roots. Hosted by the Historic Fernandina Business Association, the 5th Annual Fiesta de Santa Maria takes place Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the culturally-rich South 3rd Street – the site of the Florida House Inn, the state’s oldest surviving tourist hotel. While staying at this Victorian-style bed and breakfast, Jose Marti plotted the Cuban War for Independence from Spain in 1895-1898. The fiesta is named in honor of “Isla de Santa Maria”, which was the name of Amelia Island during the first Spanish reign from 1565 to 1763.

Artisans, crafters and local businesses will transform South 3rd Street into a marketplace from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Younger visitors can participate in piñata breakings at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Historical displays and dance exhibitions are also planned. Latin-themed dishes from area restaurants will tickle visitors’ taste buds with flavors of the days when Amelia Island was ruled under the flags of Spain and Mexico. A street dance will be held from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.

For further Fiesta de Santa Maria information, please contact Sandy Price, HFBA Event Coordinator, at 904-206-0756 or send an email to slprice@bellsouth.net.