Holy Week in the Ancient City
![Mission Nombre de Dios Easter Saturday](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-Nombre-de-Dios-Easter-Saturday-2020-SGS-v1616007614.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=6fda9c26c4c750bc44aaf0357e99de91 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-Nombre-de-Dios-Easter-Saturday-2020-SGS-v1616007614.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=7f1e941439ec2ef0078dc7bde2fe0f50 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-Nombre-de-Dios-Easter-Saturday-2020-SGS-v1616007614.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f08bf828cf5140a148698a9da72bbc6e 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-Nombre-de-Dios-Easter-Saturday-2020-SGS-v1616007614.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c8f3e136fae6eda761bda7681dc78d0a 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-Nombre-de-Dios-Easter-Saturday-2020-SGS-v1616007614.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=41473829cdbb325ddf62a20d899d4e57 1200w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-Nombre-de-Dios-Easter-Saturday-2020-SGS-v1616007614.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=90e9844627dc8f62f3cbb6784f661a25 1440w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-Nombre-de-Dios-Easter-Saturday-2020-SGS-v1616007614.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=1b129c27eadfa45d9aa76f976ed1d6e1 1920w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-Nombre-de-Dios-Easter-Saturday-2020-SGS-v1616007614.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=81ef4342e77d7969e1d1a4eceed346d5 2064w)
Contemplation and celebration combine on Florida’s Historic Coast to create a Holy Week that is truly inspirational.
There is no other place in the Nation that offers such a long history of Christianity. In fact, it was during the Easter season of 1513 that Ponce de Leon arrived on what is now Florida’s Historic Coast and named the land La Florida in recognition of Spain’s traditional Easter celebration of “Pascua flores” – feast of flowers. Fifty-two years later, Admiral Pedro Menendez arrived here and founded the city of St. Augustine, an event that included the first mass celebrated in what is now the United States. The scene of those historic events and the traditions they inspired remain largely unchanged, especially at the Mission Nombre de Dios – the nation’s most “sacred acre.”
![Mission chapel Our Lady of La Leche National Shrine on Florida's Historic Coast](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-chapel-Our-Lady-of-La-Leche-National-Shrine-1920x1080-v1632332536.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=07623f0594928a73010b77a428124281 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-chapel-Our-Lady-of-La-Leche-National-Shrine-1920x1080-v1632332536.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6e732c9c3ac9301470d9e44127d5981d 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-chapel-Our-Lady-of-La-Leche-National-Shrine-1920x1080-v1632332536.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6c8db4a20230765a7123b611d4e8fa33 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-chapel-Our-Lady-of-La-Leche-National-Shrine-1920x1080-v1632332536.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=81b23467b685deea8f58e9c24147ce0d 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-chapel-Our-Lady-of-La-Leche-National-Shrine-1920x1080-v1632332536.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=997c71926dbeeb23efb45f3f21979264 1200w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-chapel-Our-Lady-of-La-Leche-National-Shrine-1920x1080-v1632332536.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=94a174f0a98ecfd16171865d61e8a5d4 1440w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Mission-chapel-Our-Lady-of-La-Leche-National-Shrine-1920x1080-v1632332536.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=ae0159db725a3d3de0cb88aa8b6b496c 1920w)
Mission Nombre de Dios
Located at 101 San Marco Avenue, the Mission Nombre de Dios was the first mission created in the United States and its vine-covered La Leche Chapel is the oldest. Pilgrims from around the world visit this more than 400-year old chapel named Nuestra Señora de la Leche y Buen Parto. Located on Matanzas Bay, the centerpiece of the beautiful mission grounds is the towering, stainless steel Great Cross – the tallest free-standing cross in the Western Hemisphere. Father Lopez, who presented the first mass here in 1565, is immortalized with an impressive statue.
Holy Week Events at The Mission
- Stations of the Cross begin at the Cross daily at 3 p.m. through April 7.
- Palm Sunday Mass (March 24) will take place at 1 p.m. in the Outdoor Worship Area.
- Holy Saturday (March 30) includes an 11 a.m. Seven Sorrows of Mary at the outdoor grottos
- Easter Sunday Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at the Great Cross.
The Mission grounds are open Monday thru Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Parking and admission are free.
Easter Services
In addition to the week-long events at the Mission, dozens of local churches conduct Easter Sunday services. Contact your choice for details
Sunrise Services
Inspiring and beautiful Easter Sunrise Services are conducted by several churches beginning at 7 a.m. at both Crescent Beach and Vilano Beach. These services are extremely popular, so arrive early and bring blankets, towels or chairs for beach seating.
![A person speaks into a microphone with a choir and pianist behind them as the sun rises over the beach](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/st-augustine-sunrise-service-9919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=9316676ee7ea247c99361c33cc266365 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/st-augustine-sunrise-service-9919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=815dcbb666dd7229a486419675029fe3 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/st-augustine-sunrise-service-9919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=771826f96877b6e9ad172319015c3cfd 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/st-augustine-sunrise-service-9919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=738a3889f0352bad44dacc125bbff57a 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/st-augustine-sunrise-service-9919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c98111e7940b7205773df762c6fdad73 1200w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/st-augustine-sunrise-service-9919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=1a0f9ad1d6c03b27a5689b99f0408b3e 1440w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/st-augustine-sunrise-service-9919.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=e28a29b6317d5c05ed71abe7802c329e 1500w)
Crescent Beach Easter Sunrise Service
Presented by Crescent Beach Baptist Church, the program begins with with special music and an inspiring message.
Begin Easter with Turning Point Calvary to rejoice in our Saviour’s Resurrection! Bring a chair or blanket to sit.
![](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Bunny.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=ad30ff414315d429737f75603e554eab 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Bunny.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=68edfcee2cd2d9d03d489a86b9682773 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Bunny.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f642dd2d90177d526be7efb1dc81b430 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Bunny.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=5c313ad447316551cc36624a67b86895 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Bunny.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c0d338b97d40b25036cc004f9ba7fc02 1080w)
Other Holy Week Events in St. Augustine
![](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/Bishop-Estevez-Blessing-the-Fleet-from-Bridge-of-Lions-Blessing-of-the-Fleet-St.-Augustine-Catholic-credit-Woody-Huband.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=c7235961889917e3becfdb57b6bdfba7 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/Bishop-Estevez-Blessing-the-Fleet-from-Bridge-of-Lions-Blessing-of-the-Fleet-St.-Augustine-Catholic-credit-Woody-Huband.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=e0404a16d297e2216919cddf1a7b6348 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/Bishop-Estevez-Blessing-the-Fleet-from-Bridge-of-Lions-Blessing-of-the-Fleet-St.-Augustine-Catholic-credit-Woody-Huband.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f35fcaaaa151c1e15220aaae7ebedfdf 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/Bishop-Estevez-Blessing-the-Fleet-from-Bridge-of-Lions-Blessing-of-the-Fleet-St.-Augustine-Catholic-credit-Woody-Huband.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=a8cb0cfa0fb0d14b00fea4e324748b46 960w)
Palm Sunday Mass followed by the Blessing of the Fleet
Experience this annual event where watercraft decorated with flags and buntings receive a special blessing from the Bishop of the…
![Easter Bunny](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Bunny-v1674090527.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f465b94e602b0ce56ef1eccc310d8798 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Bunny-v1674090527.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=2981b29ad44acb961d3f9ba78c37288b 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Bunny-v1674090527.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=fdf3424cfba0aa466e70466d23e72854 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Bunny-v1674090527.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c40d43a7844ee024d10ef161cea5eb0e 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Bunny-v1674090527.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=68fd3221ea5a7c4c673bcdee252b45d6 1080w)
66th Annual St. Augustine Easter Parade
The St. Augustine Easter Week Festival is excited to host the 66th Annual Easter Parade. It's family fun for all…
![Easter Promenade](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Promenade-v1674165539.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=259367848a4cedf1909e9f35fb9c0192 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Promenade-v1674165539.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=f12ad8aff677f89a0e25d39e2f25e609 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Promenade-v1674165539.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1675f39b04b7f2966e08bf788e103510 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Promenade-v1674165539.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=ac0ce1c51e50f41cc119bc759c19a987 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Easter-Promenade-v1674165539.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=1dcee977d551d7506a8cd83b3cfe73fb 1080w)
Easter Promenade
The St. Augustine Easter Week Festival presents the 2025 Easter promenade, featuring St. Augustine locals and visitors promenading in their…
Click here to discover more things to do during Holy Week and Easter.
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