The Historic Florida Militia is bringing the Ponce de Leon Celebration back to St. Augustine, just in time to celebrate Florida's 500th Anniversary!

While St. Augustine's original Ponce de Leon Celebrations were great city-wide fiestas that began in 1883, the revived Ponce de Leon Celebrations will be a celebration of Florida's quincentennial and the rich and continuing history of our State and St. Augustine itself. Re-enactors from all of Florida's historical periods will be an integral part of the celebration. Don Juan Ponce de Leon portrayed by Fr. Gilbert Medina from the St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church; Miss Ponce de Leon, Raisa La Rosa (Miss Mundo Latina 2012); and the St. Augustine Royal Family will make special appearances throughout the Fiesta.

Performers at the two-day extravaganza include historical re-enactors, a Buccaneer Fiesta Garden with a 1720 Period encampment; pre-Columbian dancers of Xochitlalpan; Lucero Bernal's traditional Mariachi styling, Mariachi Charros will do the "Posada"  throughout all venues, the Latin American folk dances from "Roots of Colombia and Puerto Rico"; San Patricio dancers, the taste of the Fuego Flamenco; The Blue Lotus Bellydancers; a variety of traditional dances; and recognized guitar players will bring the passion and romance of traditional Spanish and Salsa music.

For more information, contact Raphael Cosme at royalpoor28@comcast.net or call (904) 460-2741.