St. Augustine is preparing for Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, by highlighting the ongoing impact of its Hispanic legacy. As the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States, St. Augustine’s Spanish roots remain evident in its architecture and cultural landmarks.
The city was founded by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565. Landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos, Bridge of Lions, and Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine reflect this heritage through their design and history. The Government House and restored historic hotels like Casa Monica, The Alcazar (now Lightner Museum), and The Hotel Ponce de Leon (now Flagler College) further demonstrate Spanish influence on the region’s urban landscape.
September events will highlight these traditions. The Avilés Street Festival on September 5 and 6 features live music, flamenco dancing, sword dueling, art displays along what is considered the oldest European street in the U.S., and tours of Spanish-era sites including Ximenez-Fatio House and Father O’Reilly Museum. Admission is free for this event (www.ximenezfatiohouse.org).
On September 6, Founder’s Day will commemorate St. Augustine’s founding with reenactments at Mission Nombre de Dios and a recreation of the first Thanksgiving meal at Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
Daily St. Augustine History Walks are available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., offering two-hour guided tours that cover different parts of the historic district ($30 for adults; children free; www.statruehistory.com). Other ways to explore include visits to attractions such as Spanish Military Hospital Museum or taking guided tours in Spanish provided by local companies.
Fort Mose Historic State Park represents another important chapter in St. Augustine’s story as it was established in 1738 as the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the United States.
Culinary traditions continue to play a significant role with restaurants such as Columbia Restaurant offering Cuban and Spanish dishes; Asado Life providing Argentinian cuisine; La Cocina at The Cellar Upstairs presenting international specialties; Spanish Bakery & Cafe serving traditional foods; and Paladar Cuban Eatery featuring empanadas, croquetas, cubanos, lechon, bistec, camarones and other authentic sides.
Nearly one-fifth of St. Augustine residents identify as Hispanic or Latino—a group active across many sectors including education, business, politics, arts, and activism.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month—and beyond—local organizations host festivals, exhibitions, concerts, and food events celebrating Latin American cultures.
Florida’s Historic Coast includes not only St. Augustine but also Ponte Vedra Beach—with golf resorts—and rural areas like Hastings and Elkton alongside Atlantic beaches stretching over forty miles.
