In February of 1512, King Ferdinand granted Juan Ponce de León a royal contract authorising him to search for 'The Islands of Benimy.' The contract stipulated that for three years,
Every year, Pascua Florida Day is observed on April 2. It commemorates the day that the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León arrived in what is now the state of Florida. On April 2, 1513, after receiving a royal charter to explore and conquer new islands, de León arrived on the island, which he named “La Florida.” The appellation derives from the Spanish Easter celebration known as “Pascua Florida,” and the Florida legislature adopted Pascua Florida Day in 1953.
In February of 1512, King Ferdinand granted Juan Ponce de León a royal contract authorising him to search for ‘The Islands of Benimy.’ The contract stipulated that for three years, Ponce de León would have exclusive rights to the island in question, as well as any neighbouring islands he discovered. He would also serve as the lifelong governor of such islands. However, he was required to pay for his own travel expenses. De León departed Puerto Rico on March 4, 1513, with three ships and 200 men: the ‘Santiago,’ ‘San Cristobal,’ and ‘Santa Maria de la Consolacion.
On April 2, 1513, the ships arrived at an island that de León named ‘La Florida’ after the Spanish Easter holiday that typically occurred during that time of the year, dubbed ‘Pascua Florida’
On April 2, 1953, the Florida legislature adopted Pascua Florida Day as an official holiday at the suggestion of a Jacksonville social studies teacher named Mary A. Harrell.
Pascua Florida Day is observed only in the state of Florida, and although there are no special commemorative events, it is a time to reflect on the state’s rich history. Typically, the Governor of Florida proclaims March 27 to April 2 to be Pascua Florida Week. If April 2 falls on a weekend, the holiday may be moved to either the preceding Friday or the following Monday.
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If you’ve ever envisioned yourself on the beautiful beaches of Florida, now is your chance. Visit Florida and see the sites for yourself.
Send a message of benevolence to demonstrate your support for the event. Post something lovely about Florida online and send your best wishes to all Floridians.
Share this article online to inform others about the significance of this holiday. Remember to use the #pascuafloridaday hashtag.
Florida is the lowest-lying state in the United States, and its highest position is the lowest high point of any state.
The state of Florida is the world’s second-largest producer of citrus juice.
In 1914, the first scheduled airline flight set off from St. Petersburg, Florida.
Florida is the third most populous state in the United States, with a population of over 21 million people.
There is no location in Florida that is more than 60 miles from a shore.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 2 | Sunday |
| 2024 | April 2 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | April 2 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | April 2 | Thursday |
| 2027 | April 2 | Friday |
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