Colonial Grand Muster and Torchlight Parade
Authentic re-enactments and a living-history parade bring history alive in the Spanish Garrison's Grand Muster and procession.
On Saturday, January 31, 2015, the Spanish Garrison will present their Colonial Grand Muster, an annual heritage event that brings to life the fascinating Spanish military history in St. Augustine. Re-enactors portray all facets of Spanish military life in the day-long event, which consists of an encampment at the Colonial Quarter beginning at 10 a.m. and an exciting torchlight parade through the heart of the historic district in the evening.
Encampment - The Colonial Grand Muster includes activities and an encampment depicting 18th-century Spanish military arts and garrison (barracks) life. This encampment will be presented from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Colonial Quarter, and will feature drills and weapons demonstrations, as well as women's crafts and activities of the period.
Colonial Grand Muster Torchlight Parade - After the encampment there will be a Torchlight Parade at 7 p.m. Visitors are invited to follow the soldiers, militia and townsfolk in the parade and celebration. The parade begins at the Castillo de San Marcos, crosses Avenida Menendez to St. George Street, and then continues south on St. George Street to the Government House at the Plaza de la Constitucion.
Admission: FREE
Where? The encampment at the Colonial Quarter is located at 33 St. George Street St. Augustine, FL 32084. The Torchlight Parade begins at the Castillo de San Marcos located at 1 Castillo Dr. (directly on the bayfront).
When? Saturday, January 31, 2015: Encampment from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Parade from 7 - 8 p.m.
For more information on this event, contact Robert Alvarez by email at [email protected] or Alex D'Agnillo at [email protected]. For information related to this and other Spanish Garrison events and activities, Visit Here.
The Saint Augustine Garrison, a 501c3 non-profit organization, is a group of re-enactors who portray the life and times of the Spanish soldiers and their families in 1740s Colonial Spanish Saint Augustine. Their mission is to foster an understanding of military history of early Spanish Florida through military demonstration, interpretive programs, portrayals and publications and to provide visitors of the Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas a trip back into time to 1740 Spanish Saint Augustine.
