News
Juan Sebastián de Elcano to Visit Pensacola
Pensacola, Fla. - Celebrate Pensacola, Inc., along with Maria Davis, Honorary Vice Consul to Spain, and co-chair for Celebrate Pensacola are pleased to announce that the Juan Sebastián de Elcano will visit Pensacola June 3-9, 2009.
The Juan Sebastián de Elcano is the third largest "Tall Ship" in the world and was launched on March 5, 1927. She is the official training ship for the Royal Spanish Navy and entrusted with the formation and training of the Spanish Naval Midshipmen.
Since 1927 the Elcano has sailed more than a million and a half nautical miles through all the seas of the world. Of the 77 cruises she has completed, 10 of them have been around the world. Considered to be a "floating embassy," her presence in foreign countries and ports contributes considerably to the Spanish foreign policy.
Elcano Captain Francisco Javier Romero and crew will sail into Pensacola June 3, 2009 to help commemorate the 450th Anniversary of the discovery of Pensacola.
Celebrate Pensacola, Inc. is a non-profit organization managing the year-long celebration to commemorate Pensacola’s founding in 1559. During 2009 Celebrate Pensacola will reflect on the rich history, culture and events that have made Pensacola the fascinating community it is today. In addition to the six-day visit by the Elcano, Celebrate Pensacola is planning numerous special events, art exhibits, heritage walks, historical reenactments, educational programs, a heritage festival and a Spanish food and wine festival. The 450th celebration will culminate on August 15, 2009 with a national birthday celebration.
Dr. Coy Irvin, Jr. Celebrate Pensacola co-chair, said, "Maria is to be congratulated on this great achievement for Pensacola. It is because of her hard work and dedication that the Elcano is returning to Pensacola in 2009. Without Maria and the commitment of our executive committee, Celebrate Pensacola would be a shell of an idea."
The Juan Sebastián de Elcano has visited Pensacola five other times. The first was in 1959 during Pensacola’s 400th Anniversary.
Mrs. Davis, who is also Chairman of the Elcano Committee, was responsible for the Elcano’s return to Pensacola four more times in 1981 for the Galvez Celebration, then again in 1984, 1995 and 1998.
"The Elcano first visited Pensacola in 1959 during the 400th Celebration so it is only fitting that she will visit Pensacola in 2009 for the 450th Anniversary too." Said Maria Davis, Honorary Vice Consul to Spain and Celebrate Pensacola co-chair.
The Celebrate Pensacola, Inc. executive committee is comprised of local citizens who are dedicated to promoting the 450th Anniversary. Along with Dr. Irvin and Mrs. Davis, who serve as co-chairmen, the committee members are: H. Miller Caldwell, Jr., Alan Nickelsen, Richard Brosnaham, Oliver Darden, Kevin Doyle, General Al. Gilley, USA (Ret.), Nancy Halford, Kim Kimbrough, Laura Lee, Adelene Lovelace, Melissa Morgan , Jack Nobles, Zoya Phillips, and Dr. Steve Zieman. Celebrate Pensacola in partnership with the Fiesta of Five Flags will coordinate numerous public events and tours during the Elcano’s six-day visit.
For more information on Celebrate Pensacola or how to become involved call (850) 432-1450 visit www.celebratepensacola.com.