Parada de los Caballos y Coches, St. Augustine |
Easter Sunday and Parada de los Caballos y Coches
Two weeks of pageantry and celebrations of the
Easter season culminate on Easter Sunday in St. Augustine, the
nation's oldest city. The Easter season begins with the Annual
Blessing of the Fleet. The Bishop of the St. Augustine Diocese
leads the parade of worshippers from the Basilica along Cathedral
Place, past the Plaza de la Constitucion to the City Marina where
the traditional ceremony is performed. An armada of boats, ranging
from small row boats to working shrimp boats, passes by the dock
where they are blessed by the Bishop in this long-standing event.
Following the Blessing of the Fleet, a giant Oyster Roast is open
to the public at the Elks Lodge.
On Easter Sunday, one of the most unique parades in
the country has long been a favorite of locals and visitors.
Upwards of 50,000 people crowd into the historic city to view the
annual Parada de los Caballos y Coches, featuring bands, floats,
the appearance of the City's Royal Family, and decorated
horse-drawn carriages pulled by horses wearing hats donated by
celebrities.
Project documentation comprises text on Easter
traditions in St. Augustine, the St. Augstine Minorcan Heritage, a
brochure on the Florida Folklife Program, and four color
slides.
Originally submitted by: Bob Graham, Senator.
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