Pensacola's Year-Long 450th Anniversary Celebration 450 years ago, in 1559, Pensacola was founded by the Spanish explorer, Don Tristan de Luna de Arellano.  Most don't know that Pensacola predates St. Augustine and Jamestown, Virginia. Events to celebrate this commemorative event will take place throughout 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

King & Queen of Spain visit Pensacola
February 19th

 

Escorted by Governor Charlie Crist, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia of Spain visited the City of Five Flags on Thursday, February 19th to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the Spanish sailor, Don Tristan de Luna's, arrival and discovery of the first Spanish settlement of what is now the United States.

Much of the streets from Pensacola Beach to downtown were lined with people to greet the royal couple.  Along the way they stopped at the site of Fort George, where the Spanish defeated the British in 1781 for King Juan Carlos to place a wreath at the site.  With much interest they toured the museum where many Spanish artifacts recovered from the state's earliest shipwreck are housed.  The King also signed a section of the USS Cabot, a World War II aircraft carrier which was later loaned to Spain.  Crowds had been waiting for them to arrive at the Plaza Ferdinand where the King and Queen appeared on the 2nd story balcony giving their thanks to the people of the city for keeping their Spanish traditions and culture.

Governor Crist announced that from this day forward, February 19th will be the King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia Day in Pensacola.

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31st Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival
September 25 - 27, 2009

Food, arts and crafts and music are all a part of this FREE event located in Pensacola's historic Seville Square.

Other events include a 5k run/walk, cooking demonstrations, a Splash Dog competition and more.

Hours of operation:

Friday - 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday - 10:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday - 11:00am - 5:00pm