A Century of Cultural Connection: The Aviles Street Festival
As the sun rises over the historic streets of St. Augustine, a special celebration is about to unfold marking the 100th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between St. Augustine, Florida, and Aviles, Spain.
Saint Augustine’s Aviles Street holds a unique place in history as the oldest street in the United States. This cobblestone lane is not just a charming destination – it’s a living reminder of St. Augustine’s rich Spanish heritage.
On Sunday, September 8, Aviles Street will come alive with a vibrant mix of cultural performances, artistic displays, and culinary delights. From noon to 9 pm, the street will be transformed into a family-friendly, old-fashioned street festival, where visitors can enjoy everything from Spanish dancing to musket-firing re-enactments.
This year, the Aviles Street Festival will commemorate the 100th anniversary of a pivotal moment in 1924, when a delegation from St. Augustine traveled to Aviles for the re-burial of Menendez in his hometown, which laid the foundation for the Sister City relationship formalized in 1967.
Step Back in Time
One of the festival’s main attractions is the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, which dates back to 1798. This historic house, built by Spanish merchant Andres Ximenez, will feature two special exhibits that are deeply connected to the festival’s theme of celebrating the bond between St. Augustine and Aviles.
The first will delve into the life of Andres Ximenez and his family. “We are going to have a more detailed display of his life, his family, and his children,” says Payson Tilden, manager of the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Spanish heritage that is so central to the history of St. Augustine.”
The second will showcase memorabilia from the 1924 delegation’s visit to Aviles, Spain. Visitors can see scrapbooks, photographs, and even the invitation from the King and Queen of Spain to dinner. “We’re very fortunate to have this collection,” Tilden adds. “It’s a commemoration of the actual celebration that took place 100 years ago and a testament to the enduring friendship between our two cities.”
The festival also marks the beginning of Spanish Heritage Month, with the special exhibits at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum remaining open through November 1, giving visitors ample time to explore the rich Spanish history of St. Augustine and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural connections that have shaped the city.
What to Expect
In addition to the cultural performances and exhibits, the festival is a chance to walk the historic cobblestones of Aviles Street, where history comes alive. The street will be adorned with Spanish flags, bunting, and flowers, creating a festive atmosphere that reflects the European charm of St. Augustine’s oldest street.
Tilden notes, “We want people to recognize the significance of Aviles Street and the deep cultural ties it represents.” Whether you’re a local or a visitor from afar, take the opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of St. Augustine.
