Name: Founders Day Commemoration 2024
Start: 2024-09-07T10:00:00-04:00
End: 2024-09-07T17:00:00-04:00
Location: Mission Nombre de Dios

See all St. Augustine, Florida has to offer. Visit the Nation’s Oldest City.

St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, also holds the distinction of being one of the nation’s most charming. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting the area for the first time, we’ve gathered all the resources you need to find where to stay, what to do and other community information about our unique little village.

Join the Historic Florida Militia on Saturday, September 7, 2024 for the 459th annual Founder’s Day Commemoration of the founding of the City of St. Augustine by Pedro Menendez de Aviles. The landing by the Spanish took place on September 8, 1565.

This year also marks 100 Years of the relationship with St. Augustine’s sister city – Aviles, Spain. The Aviles delegation will be in attendance along with the City of St. Augustine Commission.

Activities take place starting at 10:00am at the Mission Nombre de Dios then proceed to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park where they wrap up at 5:00pm.

* 10:00am – Re-enactment of Landing by historically clad living history interpreters – accompanied by cannon and musket salutes from the Fountain of Youth
* 11:00am – Catholic Mass at the Rustic Altar led by Bishop Erik Pohlmeier
* Noon – Pedro Menendez with his Entourage marches to the Fountain of Youth in the Grand Procession
* 1:00pm – Ceremonial First Thanksgiving Meal Reenactment
* 1:00pm-5:00pm – Encampment and living history demonstrations

Note: Fountain of Youth — regular park admission rates apply. However, locals only are free with ID for just that day.

Click event website link for additional information.

Image used is from Historic Florida Militia’s website.