In America's Oldest City, our "Royal Family" leads the official festivities. Our Easter traditions are intertwined with our Spanish history, with the first official event of the season, The Transfer of Office, occurring on the Thursday before Palm Sunday. On that day, three local citizens are crowned to represent Queen Marianna, King Juan Carlos, and Princess Margarita Maria. They and other members of the Royal family will have prominence at "Three Ps" of events: the Bishop's Procession on Palm Sunday, the Easter Parade on the Saturday of Easter Weekend, and the Easter Promenade on Easter Sunday afternoon.
The annual events start early in March with Easter egg hunts and pick up just before Palm Sunday. We try to include all of the secular public events and we list Easter services held at historic churches those closest to the larger tourist populations.
A heritage event commemorating the city's ties to Spain and the passing of the scepter.
This St. Augustine heritage event commemorates the city's Spanish origins and the reign of Queen Marianna, King Juan Carlos, and Princess Margarita Maria. St. Augustine residents enact the parts of the Royal Family in full costume and pass the scepter in an annual ceremony just before Easter.
Parks, churches, and organizations host Easter egg hunts for kids.
Many parks, churches, and organizations offer special Easter activities for kids every year. Here's a list of those events including egg hunts and photos with the Easter Bunny, leading up to and including Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.
The Diocese of St. Augustine's bishop blesses vessels in a historic local tradition.
The Blessing of the Fleet, a historical ceremony dating back to the city's earliest days of Spanish colonial occupation, takes place each year on Palm Sunday, beginning at noon. The 2025 date is Sunday, April 13, 2025, and all vessels — commercial and pleasure — are invited to receive a blessing from the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine.
The Royal Family recognizes St. Augustine residents who have made community contributions.
The Royal Knighting Ceremony is performed every year during Easter Week by the St. Augustine Royal Family to bestow knighthood upon residents of St. Augustine who have been selected based on their good civic deeds. St. Augustine residents portray the royal family in full costume and conduct the ceremony.
A tradition that dates back to 1956, the parade is held on Easter Saturday.
The nation's second oldest Easter Parade, St. Augustine's Parada de los Caballos y Coches (Parade of Horses and Carriages) has commemorated the Easter holiday every year since 1956. This year, St. Augustine celebrates the Easter parade's 68th anniversary on Saturday, April 19, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
St. Augustine's churches host Good Friday, Easter sunrise, and Easter services.
Weekend worship services are held throughout the St. Augustine area over Easter weekend, on Friday, March 29, and Sunday, March 31, 2024. Easter sunrise services are included. Unless otherwise noted, all services take place on Easter Sunday.
Fancy hats, often created at home, are the stars of this Easter tradition.
The Annual Easter Promenade, a spectacle of outrageous Easter bonnets and costumes will be held from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at the gazebo in the Plaza de la Constitución. Everyone is invited to join the fun as a spectator or participant at the Easter Promenade and costume contest.
Find the perfect spot for a delicious Easter meal.
Easter Week is a busy time in St. Augustine with local traditions rooted in the city's rich history. From the Blessing of the Fleet to Easter egg hunts, sunrise services on the beach, and the well-loved Easter Parade, visitors will find plenty of things to do in the nation's oldest city during the Easter holiday.
If you prefer an early breakfast to a champagne brunch, if the Easter Bunny didn't fill your basket with your favorite chocolates, if you want to spend time on the beach, at the park, or at the attractions in town — most places are open on Easter Sunday.