The 1586 raid of Sir Francis Drake

Conrad Matt announced to Historic City News that this Saturday, June 4th, will be the 25th re-enactment of Drake’s Raid on St. Augustine; which occurred 425 years ago.

An early warning procession will be held down St. George Street on Friday night, June 3rd, announcing the imminent arrival of El Dracque; “The Dragon” as Sir Drake was known amongst the Spanish.

Demonstrations of military arts including crossbow, pike, cannon and matchlock musket, will be performed by 16th century re-enactors, in a period correct encampment, at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park from 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.

A battle re-enactment will start at 7:00 p.m. at the city gates on the north end of St. George Street and will continue through the streets of St. Augustine; ending up in front of Government House located at Cathedral Place.

“All those with an interest in participating in the reenactment of our city’s history are invited to come out to the Fountain of Youth to be fitted in “loaner clothes” for the battle,” Matt told Historic City News.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by D.B. Couper