Royal Family Transfer of Office
A St. Augustine heritage event commemorating the city's ties to Spain, the scepter passes from last year's 'Royal Family' to this year's.
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. This year, the transfer of royal duties will take place on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the Gazebo in the Plaza de la Constitución.
Queen Marianna, King Juan Carlos and Princess Margarita Maria were the Spanish royal family when the Castillo de San Marcos was commissioned in 1672. Queen Marianna saw the need for a stronger fortification in the New World, especially after the 1668 attack by English pirate Robert Searle, and commissioned the building of a masonry fort.
This event is open to the public.
Admission: Free
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023
Where: The Gazebo at the Plaza de la Constitución in St. Augustine.
