Hispanic Heritage Month October 15 is the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month and for the final installment of our newsletter series, we’re introducing you to St. Augustine’s original Latin American Festival and the city’s newest restaurant with authentic flavors and breathtaking views. Beginning next month, you can affordably fly between St. Augustine and New York City! Follow the Spanish Heritage Itinerary HERE.

SAVE THE DATE

On May 7, 2022, the Ancient City’s original Latin American Festival returns to Francis Field! Experience a day full of beautiful culture, music, dance, food, workshops, performances, activities, and so much more. The main stage will feature music and dance groups throughout the day with a mixture of styles from across Latin America. Watch five artists paint murals throughout the day and vote for your favorite. What festival is complete without food? Authentic Latin American food trucks and vendors will be onsite to showcase the distinctive style and range of Latin food. The marketplace has been expanded from 48 to 75 vendors selling international crafts, textiles, and other merchandise. Look forward to games like soccer darts, tejo, Aztec Ball Game, piñatas, dominos, and more. Bring your dancing shoes and dive deeper into the culture while local and regional acts celebrate the rhythm of Latin America with performances and dance workshops. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $60 for VIP which includes meet & greets, stage access, private tables under the canopy, private bathrooms, VIP bar, Latin American-inspired hors d’oeuvres by a local chef, and even more activities and performances. Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot soon!     Founded in 2013 by Sergeant Alexander Cedillo, La Jara Band is a group of 18 NYPD officers who share one mission: to Unite the Community with the Police through Music.  For the first time in history, members of a police department have created a Police band that’s able to play Bachatarengue, Tipico, Bachata, Merengue, Plena, Saltashpa, Son, Bolero, Salsa, and Cumbia. The band has traveled across the US performing for Univision, Telemundo, the FBI, and have shared the stage with Willie Colon, Nicky Marrero, and Nati Natasha to name a few.  For the first time since its inception, La Jara Band will headline the 2nd Annual Unidos en la Musica: A Latin American Festival here in Saint Augustine! Hosted by the nonprofit organization Latin Community Services, Inc., these two organizations are coming together to educate the community on Latin American culture while tackling important social topics head on.  Click the link below to see La Jara Band in action!   More HERE.

BOLD FLAVORS WITH A VIEW

St. Augustine’s newest restaurant opened this Monday, October 11th. Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila offers Mexican, Latin American, and Florida coastal cuisine in the 120-year-old Blenmore House at the foot of the historic Bridge of Lions. Enjoy the diverse menu of traditional favorites and unique signature dishes with an impressive selection of tequila and mezcal craft cocktails in the warm, contemporary dining room or on the rooftop patio with breathtaking views of the Matanzas Bay. For now, Casa Reina operates on a first-come, first-serve basis with dinner hours 4-10 PM Sunday through Thursday and 4-11 PM Friday & Saturday. MORE HERE.

BIG APPLE, MEET ANCIENT CITY

This week, Elite Airways announced a new nonstop jet service between Northeast Florida Regional Airport in St. Augustine and Newark Liberty International Airport serving the tri-state area and New York City. Starting November 19th, passengers can travel to and from the St. Augustine airport on US1 just a few miles from the charming historic downtown district, pristine beaches, and world-class golfing in Ponte Vedra Beach, the home of the PGA Tour and THE PLAYERS Championship. Elite operates a fleet of jet airliners with 50-90 seat capacity known for comfort, efficiency, and impeccable safety. Passengers receive free onboard snacks, beverages, first checked bag (up to 50 pounds), and no change fees. Flights start at $129 each way and are pet-friendly. Click HERE to learn more.

This arts and culture newsletter is funded in part by the organizations listed below and through the generous support of our stakeholders.