Christmas in Old St Augustine

The second annual “Christmas in Old St Augustine” heritage event, will take place on Saturday, December 21st, at Mission Nombre de Dios, located at 27 Ocean Avenue in St Augustine. Admission is free of charge to Historic City News readers.

The Christmas customs and music of 16th-century Florida, circa 1580, will be presented by torch and candlelight on the grounds of the historic Mission of Nombre de Dios and Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, in St Augustine; the oldest, continually occupied European city, port, and parish in the continental United States.

“A traditional Spanish Nativity scene, constructed by Elizabeth Duran Gessner, will present hand-made scenery and structures, as well as over 200 figures, all imported from Spain,” Mark Schmitt reported. “While enjoying the authentic, living-history event, be sure to sample our colonial Spanish holiday treats; available for purchase.”

This holiday heritage celebration will include re-enactors in period garb, representing the citizens of 16th-century San Agustín, and is hosted by Florida Living History, the Diocese of St Augustine, and Mission Nombre de Dios.

Christmas in Old St Augustine will feature a free performance of a 500-year-old colonial Spanish Christmas tradition, “The Play of the Three Wise Kings”. The oldest-known Spanish play follows the Magi on their journey to Bethlehem to welcome the new-born Messiah. The procession, for children of all ages, reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodgings in Bethlehem on the first Christmas Eve. Navidad will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and colonial Spanish musical entertainment during the events.

Photo credits: © 2013 Historic City News contributed photograph by John Cipriani