Ponce de Leon Parade includes two street fairs

Ponce De Leon will lead a festive and colorful walking procession of historic re-enactors, performers from Romanza Festivale productions, drums, soldiers, pirates and bands as they walk from the City Gate, down St George Street, ending at the “Romanza on Aviles Street” and “King Street Festival” street fairs.

This year the whole State of Florida celebrates the 500th anniversary of Ponce De Leon’s discovery of North America, which he named “La Florida”. Many say his first sighting was just off the coast of present-day St Augustine.

The “Ponce De Leon Parade” on Saturday, May 11, 2013 is part of the 10-day-long “Romanza Festivale” with events taking place from May 10th through May 19th. The parade steps-off at the City Gates at 4:00 p.m. Participants must assemble in the “Redoubt Wall Park” across Orange Street from the City Gates no later than 3:30 pm.

Historic City News readers are invited to become part of the historical parade — whether you come and walk in the procession or just like to watch — now is the time for you to celebrate our city’s remarkable heritage.

Romanza is inviting any group of students, with adult supervision, to join the fun. Just wear any costume or attire from any historical period. To request free participation, please send an email describing your group and attire by May 8 to RomanzaFL@gmail.com.

The Romanza Festivale is an extraordinary celebration of arts and culture in “The Nation’s Most Romantic City”. The Festivale showcases St. Augustine’s living culture: music, dance, theater, art, cuisine, heritage and romance. Featured are headliners, street fairs, the Ponce de Leon Parade, concerts, plays, re-enactments, exhibits, lectures, workshops, tours, wine-tastings, exquisite dining opportunities and much more, from pirates to Picasso, from tango to tapas.

Get to know “The Nation’s Most Romantic City”, St. Augustine, FL, our astounding history and amazing living culture at the Romanza Festivale. For more information: www.RomanzaFestivale.com