2008 Cabrillo Festival – Held at Ballast Point, the Site Where Cabrillo Came Ashore in 1542

Be a part of history and welcome 16^th century explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo as he steps ashore on Ballast Point on Sunday, September 28, 2008, for the annual Cabrillo Festival.

Sailing under the Spanish flag and taking those first steps onto what is now Ballast Point, Cabrillo became the first European to set foot on the west coast of what would become the United States of America.

The Cabrillo Festival is a fun event for the entire family, with educational activities, cultural demonstrations, and exciting folkloric performances. Brightly colored clothing and dramatic music and dancing bring to life the traditions of the Native American, Mexican, Portuguese, and Spanish cultures that are part of the Age of Exploration. The Festival features booths with traditional foods, and cultural artisans will showcase their wares.

Kumeyaay Indians demonstrate intricate basket weaving techniques and how to prepare acorns to eat, while flint knappers show how Native Americans made arrow points, knives, and scrapers.

Historic re-enactors offer a glimpse into daily life of the 16^th century soldiers and sailors who explored New Spain with Cabrillo, Coronado, and DeSoto.

The highlight of the Festival is the re-enactment of Cabrillo’s landing on the shores of San Diego Bay. Cabrillo, his soldiers, and a priest sail into the bay on the San Salvador (represented by the Californian), and once again claim the land for Spain.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Saturday, September 27, 2008 – 4:00 PM

Commemorative Ceremony and Wreath Laying, held at the Statue Plaza. Keynote address by Dr. Joseph Sanchez, Superintendent of Petroglyph National Monument.  Kumeyaay Bird Songs and concert by Navy Band San Diego.

Saturday, September 27, 2008– 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The Age of Exploration, featuring 16^th century Spanish soldier living history encampment, the film “In Search of Cabrillo” in the auditorium, ranger talks on Age of Exploration weapons and navigation, and children’s activities.

Sunday, September 28, 2008– 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Cabrillo Festival Open House, Ballast Point, Naval Base Point Loma, south end of Rosecrans Street. Free admission. There will be music, dancing, children’s activities, and foods of Native Americans, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain. Kumeyaay basket making and acorn preparation demonstrations, knot tying, and 16^th century Spanish soldiers living history encampment. Re-enactment of Cabrillo’s landing on Ballast Point begins at 1:00 PM, narrated by San Diego TV personality Jack White.

For more information, click here to visit the official Cabrillo Festival website.