September 25, 1998
On September 28, 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer and navigator sailing under the flag of Spain, guided his flagship San Salvador into "a very good enclosed port" which he named San Miguel (San Diego). Cabrillo claimed the land for Spain and secured his place in the history of the New World as the first European to explore the West Coast of what would become the United States of America.
Cabrillo's name lives on at Cabrillo National Monument on top of Point Loma overlooking his original landing site. The annual Cabrillo Festival, produced by San Diegans from various ethnic backgrounds with support from the San Diego Unified Port District, City of San Diego, County of San Diego, the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation and the National Park Service, will commemorate Cabrillo's achievements on October 4.
The Cabrillo Festival culminates a week-long celebration, is free to the public and an educational family event. It is one of the most colorful and culturally enriching events of its kind in America. You are invited to watch Cabrillo row ashore and land once again on Ballast Point, and to enjoy 16th century living history demonstration, interactive activities for children, Mexican, Native Amer-ican, Portuguese and Spanish food, music and dancing. Hours: 10 a.m.—5 p.m.
For more information, contact (619) 557-5450, ext. 0.
Sunday, Sept. 27 — Cabrillo Festival Opening Ceremony, 1 p.m. Cabrillo National Monument. Raising of Cabrillo Festival flag, dances of Spain by the Spanish Ballet of San Diego and of Portugal and Azores by the Portuguese-American Dancers.
Monday, Sept. 28 — Cabrillo, his soldiers and Miss Cabrillo Festival invade San Diego City Council, 2 p.m. — City Administration Building.
Tuesday, Sept. 29 — Cabrillo, his soldiers and Miss Cabrillo Festival invade the County Board of Supervisors, 9 a.m. - County Administration Building.
Tuesday, Sept. 29 — Cabrillo, his soldiers and Miss Cabrillo Festival invade Port Commissioners, 2 p.m. - San Diego Unified Port District.
Friday, October 2 — Commemorative Ceremony & Wreath Laying Honoring Cabrillo, Cabrillo National Monument, 6 p.m. US Navy Ceremonial Band Concert, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 3 — The Age of Exploration weapons and navigation throughout the afternoon.
Saturday, October 3 — Cabrillo Festival Banquet and Dance 6:30 pm, S.E.S. Hall, 2818 Avenida de Portugal, Point Loma, $35 per person. Sponsored by Cabrillo Civic Club #16 and Portuguese-American Social and Civic Club of San Diego. To purchase tickets, call (619) 426-0769 or 223-0789.
Sunday, October 4 — Open House at Cabrillo National Monument. Program of music, dancing and foods of Mexico, Portugal, Spain and Native Americans 10 am - 5 pm. Highlight of the day is the re-enactment of Cabrillo's landing on Ballast Point at 1 p.m. Narrated by Jack White, it can be viewed from the Monument 16th Century Spanish soldier living history and Kumeyaay basket-making demonstration throughout the day. Free Entrance.
For thirty-five years, the Cabrillo Festival has commemorated the contributions of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in the exploration of New Spain and the settlement of the Californias. The free family event also celebrates the cultures of Native America, Mexico Spain and Portugal which are part of San Diego's diverse heritage.
10:00 a.m. Food Booths Open - Portuguese, Spanish, Mexican and Native American Foods. Visitors buy token to purchase food and beverages. Tokens sold near food booths.
10:30 a.m. - Kumeyaay Bird Singers San Diego's Native Americans
11:00 a.m. - Kumeyaay Basket Makers will display their craft until 4 p.m.
11:10 a.m. - Danza Mexi'cayotl Aztec Dancers from Chula Vista
11:40 a.m. - Ballet Meyibo Dancers from the Autonomous University of Baja California
12:30 p.m. - Abel Silvas a "Running Grunion" An engaging commentary on San Diego's Kumeyaay People
1:00 p.m. - Reenactment of Cabrillo's Landing on Ballast Point, The San Salvador (Pilgrim of Newport) sails for Ballast Point from below Cabrillo Statue. Cabrillo and his crew come ashore and claim "San Miguel" for Spain. Narration by Jack White.
1:40 p.m. - Portuguese-American Dancers from San Diego perform dances of the Azores, Madeira and Portugal
2:00 p.m. - Welcome Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, his soldiers and priest. Introduction of visiting dignitaries.
2:30 p.m. - Spanish Ballet of San Diego performs Spanish regional dances.
3:10 p.m. - Españolerias of Mexicali performs Spanish regional dances.
3:40 p.m. - Pajaro Caripocapote from Ensenada performs songs of Central and South America.
Spanish Soldiers Living History - Learn about the daily lives of the men and women who accompanied the great explores Cabrillo, DeSoto and Coronado into the New World. Join costumed staff in the rest area behind the auditorium throughout the day as they bring this history to life with demonstrations of 16th century black powder arquebus and navigational instruments.
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