2024 marks the 64th annual Easter Parade in St. Augustine. The parade steps off at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024, beginning just north of the Mission Nombre de Dios and continuing south along the bayfront to the Plaza de la Constitución. This popular hometown parade features pirates, soldiers, horses and carriages, and the "Royal Trio" from 17th-century Spain, all of which you might expect in a city with more than 450 years of history.
, and the amazing woman who commissioned it - Queen Marianna of Spain., they played a vital role in preserving the city. For many, the fort is considered to be a contributing factor to the city's survival throughout history. In order to honor and pay tribute to the Queen and the royal family responsible for it, including King Carlos and Princess Margarita Maria, the city of St. Augustine created their own royal trio.This trio consists of residents, with ties to the Menorcans or the early Spanish people in St. Augustine, who are chosen to portray Queen Marianna (a woman aged 35 to 40), King Juan Carlos (a boy 11 to 14), and Princess Margarita Maria (a girl 15 to 20). The Royal Trio is crowned early in the year a couple of weeks before Easter and they then preside over major events in the city during the Easter Festival, with their biggest appearance being in the Easter Parade. The Royal Trio represents the city of St. Augustine throughout the country, attending festivals, parades, and events in other U.S. cities. or by calling (904) 669-1485.If you're a visitor, don't be surprised if you see the royal family in full dress at Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral, at the Blessing of the Fleet, riding in the parade, or promenading in the Plaza de la Constitución on Easter Sunday. Just wave and smile because you're in the presence of St. Augustine royalty. Click here for more info on all the Easter Week festivities in our Calendar of Events.
Cover photo courtesy of Jackie Hird. This article has been updated for 2024.
