Ponce de Leon Celebration: La Fiesta de la Florida

Ponce de Leon Celebration: La Fiesta de la Florida

Saturday, April 6 – Sunday, April 7

This weekend-long revival of St. Augustine’s Ponce de Leon celebration begins with festivities at 10 a.m. on April 6 with a re-enactment on the bayfront of Ponce de Leon’s 1513 landing and naming of La Florida. A ceremony will follow at the Ponce de Leon statue at the east end of the Plaza de la Constitucion. Re-enactors representing 500 years of Florida history will appear during festivities continuing until 10 p.m.

The celebrations on both days will take place at the Ribera House, 22 St. George Street and Arrivas House, 46 St. George Street. Latin food, historic military demonstrations by the Historic Florida Militia, folkloric dancers from Hispanic countries and other live entertainment will be featured.

On April 7, the festivities begin on St. George Street at 11 a.m. with a performance of “Dancing With the Sun” by the pre-Columbian dancers Xochitalpan. The day’s entertainment includes Lucero Bernal with traditional Mariachi-style music; Latin American folkloric groups Raices de Colombia, Fuego Flamenco; Raices de mi Tierra Puerto Rico; San Patricio Mexican Dancers and Belly Flamenco Dancers; “Taste of the Fuego Flamenco”; Blue Lotus belly dancing; guitar performances and special appearances by Don Juan Ponce de Leon (portrayed by Fr. Gilbert Medina) and Miss Ponce de Leon (portrayed by Raisa La Rosa, the reigning Miss Mundo Latina).

Free admission to all events. For information call 904-460-2741.