When we think of Spain we often think of flamenco dancers, bull fighting and salsa music, but not all of Spain is characterized by stereotypical Spanish culture. In the mountains of Northern Spain where the Picos de Europa spill out of France and into the lush, green Spanish countryside, you are much more likely to hear bagpipes, sip cider and see remnants of the Celtic culture. It’s from this part of Spain — specifically from a city called Aviles in a province known as Asturias — that St. Augustine’s founder Pedro Menendez de Aviles was born. When he discovered the Nation’s Oldest City in 1565, he imparted his mixed Spanish and Celtic culture on our beautiful little city.

Nearly 450 years later, we finally have an annual celebration to honor our Celtic roots: the St. Augustine Celtic Festival. This year, the festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 10th and 11th at the Special Events Field. A delectable assortment of Celtic foods will be served while musicians and entertainers of all sorts regal us with bagpipes and Irish dancing.