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Conquistadores ready to reenact the founding of St.Augustine. Photo/St.Augustine
This weekend St. Augustine, Florida is holding their birthday party for the city. The oldest continuously occupied city in the United States is also one of the loveliest. They brag that they have survived hurricanes, wars, plagues and countless pirate raids over the years, sitting right along the coastline of Northern Florida.
This year they are putting a special emphasis on the Native Americans who were in Florida when the Spanish under Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles arrived in 1565. The Timucua had been living in the area for at least 500 years, and the Seminoles and other tribes were there when the Spanish arrived.
Reenacting the landing in St. Augustine. Photo/St. Augustine
On Saturday, September 5, authentically dressed Spanish soldiers will be on shore to greet the founder Menendez who will arrive board a recreation of a 16th century ship in the exact landing spot where the Spanish colonists landed in 1565. The organizers of this festive occasion promise cannon firing and cheers as the the actors once again claim posesssion of the land in the name of the King of Spain.
There will be a cooking contest featuring foods from the 16th century. Modern revelers can buy authentic dinners and enjoy period music and dancing throughout the evening.
If you can’t get to St. Augustine for their birthday celebration this year, plan to go soon and spend some time in this lovely city. Don’t wait until the birthday next year, as the fall and winter are perfect times for a St. Augustine long weekend or long vacation.
Read more about St. Augustine: Travel 101: What is the oldest European city in the United States?
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Comments
It is a great city and a terrific place to visit - nice job letting folks know!
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Finally, someone who makes history interesting! Such a refreshing writing stye and range of interests.
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