St. Augustine, FL – In a historic celebration of international friendship and cultural exchange, the sister cities of St. Augustine, Florida, and Avilés, Spain, commemorate the 100th anniversary of their relationship. This centennial milestone honors a bond that began in 1924 when representatives from St. Augustine traveled by ocean liner to Avilés as part of an official American delegation to visit the Kingdom of Spain following the signing of the Treaty of Paris and the end of the Spanish-American War.
This summer, the Sister Cities will mark this significant anniversary with a variety of events in both countries. Delegates from St. Augustine will visited Spain in early August., followed by In September there will be a visit from the Avilés delegation to Florida. in September.
Starting September 5th, 2024, the City of St. Augustine, in collaboration with the St. Johns Cultural Council and local cultural organizations, will host a series of events celebrating the Hispanic heritage of St. Johns County and welcoming the delegation from Avilés, Spain. Below is a detailed schedule of the upcoming events.
SAVE THE DATES
SEPTEMBER 1 – OCTOBER 31
A Spanish Family/Una Familia Española
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum presents an exhibition sharing the story of the home’s first owner, Andres Ximenez, and his wife Juana Pellicer. Andres, a Spanish Merchant, built the house in 1798, likely with the help of his father-in-law Francisco Pellicer, a master carpenter and leader of the Menorcan community that escaped to St. Augustine in 1777. Visitors can see memorabilia from the original delegation that attended the reinterment of Pedro Menendez’s remains in Avilés, Spain.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Tejedor in Concert | 7 PM
Enjoy Asturian folk music and dance performed by the Avilés-based band Tejedor at Lewis Auditorium. Presented by the St. Johns Cultural Council and the City of St. Augustine. Admission is free, but registration is recommended. RSVP here.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
First Friday Art Walk | 5-9 PM
St. Augustine’s monthly art walk will feature an artist market and special events celebrating the sister cities at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and nearby galleries.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Founders Day Celebration | 10 AM to 5 PM
Celebrate the historic landing of Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés on September 8, 1565. Visit the Mission Nombre de Dios for a reenactment, followed by Mass and the First Thanksgiving.
Tejedor at Colonial Oak Music Park | 8 PM
Enjoy a free performance by Tejedor at Colonial Oak Music Park, in support of Sing Out Loud, St. Augustine’s annual month of music.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Aviles Street Festival | 12-9 PM
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Sister Cities on Aviles Street, the oldest platted street in the United States. Enjoy live music, food, art, and more.
Tejedor in the Plaza | 2 PM
Enjoy a performance by Tejedor in the Plaza de la Constitución at 3 PM during the Aviles Street Festival.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
LPT Salsa Orchestra at St. Augustine Beach Pier | 7 PM
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with a free concert by LPT, a 10-piece Salsa orchestra, at the St. Augustine Beach Pier. Food and beverages available for purchase.SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 31
Public Art Exhibition | 5:30 – 7 PM
The St. Augustine Art Association and St. Johns Cultural Council present an Art in Public Spaces exhibition featuring plein air paintings created in Avilés, Spain, and on St. Augustine’s Aviles Street. Meet the artists at a reception on Tuesday, September 24th, from 5:30-7 PM at the St. Johns County Administration Building. The exhibition will remain on view Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM until October 31st.
