Today, a countless number of different cultures thrive together in Florida – a lot has changed since Juan Ponce de Léon first set foot there in 1513. The impact of their stories, traditions and tastes have woven together to form the vibrant, exciting and energetic fabric of the state. Viva Florida 500 marks an important milestone for Florida and an incredible opportunity to celebrate the amazing history, culture and diversity of the Sunshine State. Witness historical re-enactments, taste Florida heritage on the Viva Florida culinary trail, join a cattle roundup, sail aboard a historic ship, and much more.
The national heritage event in St. Augustine on 3rd April 2013 will commemorate the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Léon’s landing on Florida’s Northeast coast. Events will include a ceremonial reenactment of the landing at the downtown bay front, a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and dedication of a reproduction of the baptismal font in which Ponce de Léon was baptized. The Juan Sebastian Elcano, the third-largest tall ship in the world, will visit Miami at the invitation of the Spain-Florida Foundation.
Also on 20th April 2013, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will salute Viva Florida 500with Spanish-style symphonic treasures including Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, Gershwin’s Cuban Overture music from Carmen, West Side Story and more. The performance takes place in the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine.
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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4 Comments
“join a cattle roundup”
I can’t see that anywhere in the schedule, Paul. Do you have details?
Hi Alastair… I’m afraid I don’t have the specifics of that one but it was included in the release sent out to Travmedia ( https://www.travmedia.com/uk/pressrelease.php?id=92451 ) – there are a couple of PR contacts at the end there who might be able to help.
Ah, ok I’ll check with them. I’m doing a Hangout on Air about Florida and I’m already collaborating with the peeps at Gosh PR (they wrote the release) so I’ll ask them. :)
I would like to mention that in Sarasota there is the Ringling museum which is not only a circus museum but also houses a very large collection of 15th and 16 century European art including paintings and sculptures. It is worth spending a half a day wondering around the grounds and seeing the mansion as well.
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The national heritage event in St. Augustine on 3rd April 2013 will commemorate the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Léon’s landing on Florida’s Northeast coast. Events will include a ceremonial reenactment of the landing at the downtown bay front, a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and dedication of a reproduction of the baptismal font in which Ponce de Léon was baptized. The Juan Sebastian Elcano, the third-largest tall ship in the world, will visit Miami at the invitation of the Spain-Florida Foundation.
Also on 20th April 2013, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will salute Viva Florida 500 with Spanish-style symphonic treasures including Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, Gershwin’s Cuban Overture music from Carmen, West Side Story and more. The performance takes place in the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine.
The national heritage event in St. Augustine on 3rd April 2013 will commemorate the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Léon’s landing on Florida’s Northeast coast. Events will include a ceremonial reenactment of the landing at the downtown bay front, a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and dedication of a reproduction of the baptismal font in which Ponce de Léon was baptized. The Juan Sebastian Elcano, the third-largest tall ship in the world, will visit Miami at the invitation of the Spain-Florida Foundation.
Also on 20th April 2013, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will salute Viva Florida 500 with Spanish-style symphonic treasures including Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, Gershwin’s Cuban Overture music from Carmen, West Side Story and more. The performance takes place in the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine.
“join a cattle roundup”
I can’t see that anywhere in the schedule, Paul. Do you have details?
Hi Alastair… I’m afraid I don’t have the specifics of that one but it was included in the release sent out to Travmedia ( https://www.travmedia.com/uk/pressrelease.php?id=92451 ) – there are a couple of PR contacts at the end there who might be able to help.
Ah, ok I’ll check with them. I’m doing a Hangout on Air about Florida and I’m already collaborating with the peeps at Gosh PR (they wrote the release) so I’ll ask them. :)
I would like to mention that in Sarasota there is the Ringling museum which is not only a circus museum but also houses a very large collection of 15th and 16 century European art including paintings and sculptures. It is worth spending a half a day wondering around the grounds and seeing the mansion as well.