Juan Sebastián de Elcano to Visit Pensacola

Spanish Tall Ship Part of Pensacola’s 450th Anniversary Celebration

Pensacola, Fla. – Sept. 30, 2008 – The Juan Sebastián de Elcano, the world’s third largest tall ship, will visit Pensacola June 3-9, 2009 to help commemorate the 450th anniversary of the discovery of Pensacola. Pensacola was settled in 1559 by Spanish explorers, and the tall ship will represent this journey and honor the community’s Spanish heritage.

The Juan Sebastián de Elcano was launched on March 5, 1927. The official training ship for the Royal Spanish Navy, the Elcano has sailed more than 1.5 million nautical miles on 77 cruises, 10 of which have been around the world. Considered to be a “floating embassy,” the ship’s presence in foreign countries and ports has enhanced Spanish foreign policy across the globe.

On June 3, the city will host a boat parade and welcoming ceremony as the Elcano sails into Pensacola Bay. The ship will be docked at the Port of Pensacola in Historic Downtown. Throughout the week, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the crew at public and private events.

In addition to the six-day visit by the Elcano, Celebrate Pensacola, a non-profit organization leading the celebration, is planning numerous special events, art exhibits, heritage walks, historical reenactments and educational programs throughout the year. In addition, the Spanish Wine Festival is scheduled for April 3-5 with a heritage festival and the Battle of Pensacola reenactment on May 9. The 450th celebration will culminate on August 15, 2009 with a national birthday celebration.

The Juan Sebastián de Elcano first visited Pensacola in 1959 during Pensacola’s 400th anniversary. 

About Pensacola’s History

Spanish sailor Don Tristan de Luna arrived in Pensacola on August 15, 1559. Shortly after establishing the settlement, a hurricane destroyed supplies, eventually causing the Spanish to flee the area and not return until the 1600s. In 1698, Fort San Carlos de Austria became the first permanent settlement in Northwest Florida. Remains of the fort can be found at Pensacola Naval Air Station. Pensacola is proud of its rich heritage, historically significant events and landmarks.

• Having been ruled by Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy and the United States, Pensacola has earned the nickname City of Five Flags.
• Old Christ Church in Historic Pensacola Village is the oldest church in Florida still on its original site.
• Emmanuel Point II is the second-oldest ship wreck in the country. Discovered in 2007 by University of West Florida archaeology students, the ship belonged to Spanish sailor Don Tristan de Luna’s expedition, dating back to 1559.
• St. Michaels Cemetery is one of the oldest extant cemeteries in the state of Florida, with burials dated back to the late 1700s.
• Pensacola was the original capital of Florida, and it was here that Gov. Andrew Jackson changed flags with Spanish Governor Jose Callava, bringing West Florida under the control of the United States.
• The first Catholic Mass in the United States was held on Pensacola Beach shortly after the sailors arrived in August 1559.

Find more facts and information about the 450th at www.CelebratePenacola.com. For more information about the Pensacola Bay Area or to request a visitor guide, call the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 874-1234 or (850) 434-1234 or go online to www.VisitPensacola.com.

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