Our Offbeat Easter Parade
3 minute read
Sunday
Mar 29
Mar 29
Blessing of the Fleet 2026
Sunday, March 29, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Diocese of St. Augustine's bishop blesses vessels in a historic local tradition.
Easter Celebrations 2026
Easter Sunday is April 5, 2026, and with local Easter traditions rooted in the city’s rich history, St. Augustine is the perfect place to celebrate the Easter season. Leading up to Easter Sunday, St. Augustine’s “Royal Family” present heritage celebrations throughout the city, with The Blessing of the Fleet following Palm Sunday Mass. Later in the week, the "Royal Family" recognize community members for their contributions to St. Augustine in the Royal Knighting Ceremony.
2026 Easter Events
Saturday
Apr 4
Apr 4
Easter Parade 2026
Saturday, Apr. 4, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
A tradition that dates back to 1956, the parade is held on Easter Saturday.
Easter in St. Augustine
Our Spanish history mixes with our Easter traditions with the first official event of the season, the Transfer of Office, on the Thursday before Palm Sunday. Three local citizens are crowned "the Royal Family"—Queen Marianna, King Juan Carlos, and Princess Margarita Maria. They and other members of the Royal family have prominence at the Bishop's Procession on Palm Sunday, the Easter Parade on Easter Saturday, and the Easter Promenade on Easter Sunday.
Easter Week
Celebrate with egg hunts, festive hats, and the worship service of your choice.
The annual events start early in March with Easter egg hunts and pick up just before Palm Sunday. Enjoy secular public events and find Easter services held at historic churches.
Royal Family Transfer of Office
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.
Easter Egg Hunts 2025
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, featuring egg hunts and photos with the Easter Bunny, leading up to Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Mar 29th
12:00 pm
12:00 pm
Blessing of the Fleet 2026
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, happens annually on Palm Sunday, beginning at noon. On Sunday, March 29, 2026, all vessels—commercial and pleasure—are invited to receive a blessing from the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine.
Royal Knighting Ceremony
The Royal Family recognizes residents who have made community contributions.
The St. Augustine Royal Family performs the Royal Knighting Ceremony every year during Easter Week to bestwow knighthood upon residents who have been selected based on their good civic deeds. St. Augustine residents portray the royal family in full costume and conduct the ceremony.
Apr 4th
9:00 am
9:00 am
Easter Parade 2026
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. In 2026, St. Augustine celebrates the Easter parade's 69th anniversary on Saturday, April 4, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Easter Church Services 2025
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, April 18, and Sunday, April 20, 2025. Easter sunrise services are included. Unless otherwise noted, all services take place on Easter Sunday.
Easter Promenade
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, April 20, 2025, 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.
Easter Sunday Brunch & Dinner
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.
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Things to Do on Easter
Most places will be open on Easter Sunday.
If you prefer an early breakfast to a champagne brunch, if the Easter Bunny didn't fill your basket with your favorite chocolates, don't worry—most places are open on Easter Sunday.
