Romanza Week in St. Augustine

“Romanza” in Italian, is a love affair Here, Romanza is a love affair with St. Augustine. It’s a collection of unforgettable experiences in music, dance, visual arts, theater and cuisine, all steeped in this truly unique historical setting. 

“Romanza” in Spanish, is a love song a chorus of voices celebrating St. Augustine’s rich cultural legacy, natural and architectural beauty, unparalleled history and creative energy.

“Romanza” in Spanish St. Augustine means Music, Dance, Theatre, Art & Cuisine

Romanza attracts local, regional and international audiences by featuring headliners and an exceptional cast of regional and emerging stars. Venues include traditional auditoriums as well as a collection of unique historic and cultural spaces most within comfortable walking distance.

Celebration of art and music in the Nation’s oldest city features more than 50 productions and presentations by more than 30 organizations to celebrate St. Augustine’s “anniversary years.” Daily events include music and dance performances, concerts, art shows, fashion show, dramatic productions and much more at various locations throughout St. Augustine. Many events are free.

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Ponce de Leon Celebration: La Fiesta de la Florida

Saturday, April 6 – Sunday, April 7

This weekend-long revival of St. Augustine’s Ponce de Leon celebration begins with festivities at 10 a.m. on April 6 with a re-enactment on the bayfront of Ponce de Leon’s 1513 landing and naming of La Florida. A ceremony will follow at the Ponce de Leon statue at the east end of the Plaza de la Constitucion. Re-enactors representing 500 years of Florida history will appear during festivities continuing until 10 p.m.

The celebrations on both days will take place at the Ribera House, 22 St. George Street and Arrivas House, 46 St. George Street. Latin food, historic military demonstrations by the Historic Florida Militia, folkloric dancers from Hispanic countries and other live entertainment will be featured.

On April 7, the festivities begin on St. George Street at 11 a.m. with a performance of “Dancing With the Sun” by the pre-Columbian dancers Xochitalpan. The day’s entertainment includes Lucero Bernal with traditional Mariachi-style music; Latin American folkloric groups Raices de Colombia, Fuego Flamenco; Raices de mi Tierra Puerto Rico; San Patricio Mexican Dancers and Belly Flamenco Dancers; “Taste of the Fuego Flamenco”; Blue Lotus belly dancing; guitar performances and special appearances by Don Juan Ponce de Leon (portrayed by Fr. Gilbert Medina) and Miss Ponce de Leon (portrayed by Raisa La Rosa, the reigning Miss Mundo Latina).

Free admission to all events. 

For information call 904-460-2741.

19 TH ANNUAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS IN ST. AUGUSTINE FLORIDA

ST. AUGUSTINE’S NIGHTS OF LIGHTS 2012 RETURNS TO FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST WITH SURF ILLUMINATION, WINTER WONDERLAND AND FESTIVAL OF TREES. 

St. Augustine’s famed Nights of Lights will sparkle to life at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 17 when the flick of a switch will illuminate the nation’s oldest city’s historic district with the gentle glow of more than three million tiny white lights, providing a luminous setting for an exciting agenda of holiday events and fun through January 31. 

Nights of Lights continues to gather praise from travel leaders worldwide:

• Last year, National Geographic declared St. Augustine one of the Top 10 Places in the World to view holiday lights. 
• Also in 2011, the American Bus Association named the annual spectacle one of the Top 100 Events in the U.S. 
•  In 2009, AAA called St. Augustine one of the 12 best places in the U.S. and Canada to experience holiday cheer 

Along with the lighting of the beautiful historic city, Vilano Beach and St. Augustine Beach will provide displays to be enjoyed by all. Vilano Beach is celebrating holiday coastal living with an inaugural event called “Dressing of the Palms” as palm trees along Vilano Road and A1A are decorated in whimsical holiday array. St. Augustine Beach will light-up on Saturday, December 1, during the Surf Illumination, where there will be a festive atmosphere, the official holiday lighting, and a visit from Santa. The St. Johns County Convention Center at the World Golf Village is the setting for dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas Trees and Holiday Wreaths. From November 30, through December 10, visitors can vote for their favorite display, or bid on one of the entries through a silent auction. 

 

In addition, on November 23, Winter Wonderland returns to the St. Augustine Amphitheater with even more fun than before. Outdoor ice skating, a giant Ice Chute, carriage rides, fun for all ages and snow each evening – guaranteed through January 6. For more information, visit www.WinterWonderlandFL.com

 

During the nearly 250 years when St. Augustine served as the capital of Spanish La Florida, the residents marked the holiday season with a single white candle burning in a window at each home. 

 

Today, the Nights of Lights continues that happy tradition in a grand style that reflects the city’s 446 years of history. In addition to the enjoyment that comes from strolling the ancient streets lit by the glowing lights or enjoying thenightly reflection of lights on the waters of Matanzas Bay, both visitors and residents can enjoy a wide range of memorable events. For a complete list of Holiday Events, visit www.NightsofLights.com.

The Raintree Restaurant

The Raintree Restaurant will be celebrating their 30th year and 3 generations of one of the best Restaurants in St. Augustine and North Florida. 

All that is asked is for a small donation to EPIC Community services which is committed to supporting Children and Families devastated by Substance Abuse. 

October 16th @ 102 San Marco Ave. RSVP 904-824-7211 11:00am to 2:00pm

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION IN ST AUGUSTINE

Fireworks Over The Matanzas

St. Augustine’s July 4th Tradition Continues

6:00pm - The Music Begins in the Plaza Gazebo

8:30pm - Traffic detours begin

9:30pm - Fireworks Over the Matanzas

Holidays are built around traditions and few holidays have more great family traditions than the Fourth of July: great food, outdoor band concerts, a day with friends and family, and of course, fireworks! They all come together in a grand celebration and there’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in the Nation’s Oldest City.

First, There’s Music

Starting at 6:00pm music returns to the Plaza de la Constitución for a two-hour show filled with all the traditional patriotic favorites. The performance from the Plaza’s Gazebo runs from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The concert is free and those attending should bring lounge chairs for seating.

Then there’s fireworks!

Fireworks over the Matanzas, the highlight of St. Augustine’s traditional July 4th activities has become synonymous with celebrating Independence Day in the Nation’s Oldest City. The spectacular aerial display of pyrotechnics high over Matanzas Bay begins at 9:30pm.

The 20-minute display is tightly choreographed to a stirring soundtrack of great popular music delivered over an extensive sound system transforming the entire Bayfront between the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the Bridge of Lions into a theatre of sight and sound.

Enjoy downtown after the show

Since July 4th falls on a Monday this year, it is expected that many people will remain downtown at the conclusion of the show for a late dinner or to visit the shops that have learned the value of extended hours after the fireworks. Given the choice between spending time strolling downtown with friends and family or sitting in traffic wasting gas, more and more people are taking their time.

Keep it safe and legal

Those attending Fireworks Over The Matanzas should remember two important safety rules that will be strictly enforced:

• Alcohol is prohibited on public property, including parks, streets and sidewalks; and

• Possession of such fireworks will be subject to citation or arrest and will have the prohibited fireworks confiscated. Violation of the ordinance is punishable by a fine up to $500, imprisonment up to 60 days or a combination of both.

Simply put: Have a great time with friends and family, but keep it safe and legal!

In the event medical assistance is needed, the St. Augustine Fire Department along with St. Johns County Emergency Medical Services will have a base station at the main entrance to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and will have personnel roving on bicycles throughout the evening.

Personal fireworks are prohibited in the city and to read the news release detailing information about personal fireworks.

Street Closures Monday, July 4th in effect from 8:30 pm until approximately 10:30pm

Street Closures

The Bridge of Lions

S. Castillo Dr. and Avenida Menendez north of the Bridge of Lions

Cathedral Pl. from Avenida Menendez to St. George St.

Orange St. from S. Castillo Dr. to Ponce de Leon Blvd. (U.S. 1)

Detours

• King St. will be two-way

• King St. eastbound will turn north on St. George St., then west on Cathedral Pl. (detour routed to Cordova St. to King St.)

• Avenida Menendez northbound will turn west on King St.

• San Marco Ave. southbound will turn west on W. Castillo Dr. to Ponce de Leon Blvd. (US 1)

• W. Castillo Dr. eastbound will turn north on San Marco Ave.

• Anastasia Blvd. westbound may not cross the Bridge of Lions

Parking

• The Historic Downtown Parking Facility at the Visitors Information Center can accommodate 1,200 cars. The cost is $7.00 for all day.

• All public parking throughout the city will be available at no charge the entire the day.

• The parking lot at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will be closed from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Parking will be limited in the vicinity of the Plaza to facilitate traffic detours in the evening.

Se here: http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/2011/06/fourth-of-july-celebration-in-st-augustine/