St Augustine Celebrates It’s 460th Birthday
St Augustine was Founded September 8, 1565
How It All Started
Pedro Menendez de Aviles was sent by King Phillip II with a fleet of ships from Spain to Florida to establish a colony and protect it from the French. Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales was a chaplain who accompanied Menendez. He celebrated the First Mass on the present-day grounds of the Mission of Nobre de Dios and National Shrine of Our Lady of Le Leche. This marked the founding of St Augustine and the first parish in the continental United States on September 8, 1565.
History is Remembered
Each year reenactors commemorate the founding by arriving in a small boat on the shore at the Mission. Once on land, they proceed to the The Rustic Altar where they celebrate the First Mass. The public is invited to share in the celebration by attending the mass. Bringing a chair to sit on is encouraged. Even though the actual founding date is September 8th and falls on a Monday this year, activities have been moved to Saturday, September 6, 2025.
After mass is celebrated, the reenactors process to the Fountain of Youth. The public is welcome to join the procession. Reenactors then celebrate the First Thanksgiving – eating with the Spanish Settlers and the Timucuan natives. Yes, the First Thanksgiving started in St Augustine.
The day continues with encampments and weapons demonstrations from 1pm to 5pm on the grounds of the Fountain of Youth. The reenactors dressed in period costume will make feel like you are one of the first settlers 460 years ago.
Birthday Events
2nd Annual Aviles Street Festival, September 5, 2025, 4pm-9pm | September 6, 2025, 12pm-9pm
Come celebrate Spanish History Month on the oldest street in America … Aviles Street
September 6, 2025, 10am
Landing Reenactment – On the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Le Leche
September 6, 2025, 11 am
Mass at The Rustic Altar – Where the First Mass was said. Mission of Nombre de Dios/National Shrine of Our Lady of Le Leche. You may want to bring a chair.
September 6, 2025, 12pm
Join the walking procession with reenactors from the Mission of Nombre de Dios to The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. If you prefer, you can drive to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Parking is free, but admission fees apply in the park. St Johns County Residents are free with ID.
September 6, 2025, 1pm
Join reenactors as they celebrate The First Thanksgiving. They will recreate the feast between the Spanish Settlers and the Timucua Natives on the grounds.
September 6, 2025, 1pm to 5pm
Experience weapon demonstrations and see the settler’s encampments. Located on the grounds of The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
