Historic Florida Militia, Inc: Founders Day

St. Augustine was 456 years old in 2021. Each year, the city celebrates the original September 8, 1565, landing by the Spanish with its annual Founder’s Day Commemoration. The celebration of the founding of the city by Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés takes place at the Mission Nombre de Dios. and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, with activities from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Historic Florida Militia’s Men of Menéndez, a group of living history enthusiasts present Founder’s Day commemoration in partnership with the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The landing takes place at 10 a.m. at the mission, accompanied by cannon and musket salutes from the adjacent shores of the Fountain of Youth. Following that, a Catholic Mass will be held at the Rustic Altar on the mission grounds at 11 a.m.

At noon, the Menéndez entourage moves to the Fountain of Youth in the Grand Procession, where a First Thanksgiving Meal re-enactment will take place. A re-created encampment and living history demonstrations will continue at the Fountain of Youth until 1 p.m. Check the calendar of the Historic Florida Militia for current details.