If you love history and Hispanic culture, you’ll want to come to the Lightener Museum on Saturday, February 25th. There, you’ll experience the long-standing Spanish tradition of Noche de Gala and enjoy a heritage like no other.

The fantasy and enchantment from the old Spanish Crown galas are revived once a year in St. Augustine. Period dressing, the band, jesters, fanfare and a banquette on a balcony overlooking a baroque dance floor make for a spectacular event.

“Some people start looking for attire as early as the beginning of the year” said associate Shann at the Tux Shop. Noche de Gala celebrates the birthday of Don Pedro Menéndez, founder of the City of St. Augustine. In 1565 the Spanish were the first to arrive in what is today the United States, and thus, St. Augustine became North America’s oldest European settlement.

The grand celebration begins at 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 25th at Saint Augustine’s city gate. A procession through the streets of the old city will announce the arrival of don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, who will be brought to life by Fountain of Youth entertainer Chad Light.

From the ancient City Gate on St. George Street to the doors of the gorgeous Lightener Museum, in a colorful reenactment, Menendez will lead the way engaging neighbors as he surveys his colony and prepares to enjoy his birthday celebration. The procession ends at the doors of the Lightener that, as in a ritual, will be decorated with Spanish colonial splendor.

The Casa Monica hotel has catered the Noche de Gala for the past five years, but this time, they are in charge of the entire organization of the event. “The vision is for the Menéndez Gala to be more than a local event and allow fundraising for the historic city of St. Augustine that is preparing for the 450° anniversary,” said Casa Monica’s General Manager Anthony Lazzara who hopes to receive 300 guests at the gala. Lazzara a Floridian with more than 30 years in the hospitality business- continued to explain that the goal of Noche de Gala is that every year a different organization and historic building in the city profits from the fundraiser. “This year the money we raise will benefit the Lightner Museum, helping them with repairs,” the manager said.

The Unforgettable Night

One by one the guests arrive at the Lightner Museum showing their good taste in garments and elegance in hairstyles. “My job is to announce the arrival of each guest that comes into the room,” said Fountain of Youth Manager John Stavely who impersonates the ‘proclamador’ at the gala. Following the Spanish tradition, with three strikes of a royal baton onto the ground, Stavely will introduce the guests as it was done in the old days. “We want to make sure that names are pronounced correctly,” Stavely said. At times, this can be a difficult task since attendees have diverse origins. And through this diversity, Hispanics in particular are visitors of honor at Noche de Gala, according to St. Augustine’s Mayor Joseph Boles who shared with Eco Latino the list of dignitaries his office has already invited. “Miami-Dade Mayor Tomas Regalado and Maria Cristina Barrios Almazor, Consul General of Spain in Miami, are my guests along with Emilio Sánchez, president of the Florida Foundation 500 years and Nilda Pedrosa, ex-Senior Policy Advisor of Mel Martinez,” said Boles also counting on other federal commissioned officers that love to come to the First Coast to attend the Menendez Gala. Indeed, St. Augustine has a very special place in both Spanish and American History.

Time Travel

At 8:00 pm, after cocktails and reception, guests take their seats at the dinner tables and Menéndez is presented to the Gala. After the priest’s benediction, the honorable admiral stands at the head of the re-enactment table and raises his goblet as the herald announces the commencement of the celebration.

The guests enjoy every detail of the setting: from the dance floor, the orchestra, the heralding horns, magicians and swordsmen, to the waiters dressed in period garb putting out huge trays of food. “It’s time travel,” said Mary Ann who has volunteered as maitre in Noche de Gala for three years.

Later, the American and Spanish national anthems will be played and to further the spirit of the celebration, everyone waves crimson bandanas at the shout of Viva Menéndez, Viva Spain, Viva Saint Augustine! Spanish and American flags draped over the main table also stand for the partnership of Saint Augustine with the city of Avilés, Spain. After nearly a century, the sister cities relationship has strengthened through Noche de Gala, as well.

As final preparations are put in place to assure that the Lightner ballroom looks like it’s straight from the days of the Spanish crown, ladies take to the shops to pick out the perfect gown and locals practice their greetings and farewells in Spanish. If you love St. Augustine, book your spot now. There’s a place waiting for you at the Gala table.))