Pascua Florida Day in the United States

Pascua Florida Day is celebrated as a state day in Florida, the United States (USA). It usually falls on April 2. It is the anniversary of the discovery of Florida in 1513 by Juan Ponce de León, who searched for gold and the Fountain of Youth. He named the land "Pascua Florida" probably because the date was near Easter.

What Do People Do?

Although it is not widely publicized, Pascua Florida Day is Florida’s state day, celebrated on April 2. The week commemorates the sighting of Florida by Spanish explorer Ponce de León.

Public Life

Pascua Florida Day is designated as a state day. When it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the governor may declare either the preceding Friday or following Monday as the state day. According to the 2007 Florida Senate Statutes, the Governor of Florida may annually issue a proclamation designating April 2 as the state day and designating the week of March 27 to April 2 as "Pascua Florida Week" and calling upon public schools and citizens of Florida to observe the same as a patriotic occasion.

No transport schedule changes have been announced by major bus companies, such as Greyhound Lines, and train lines, such as Amtrak. According to the Florida Department of Education, Pascua Florida Day is not a school holiday.

Background

Florida was named for the day on which it was discovered by Spanish explorer Ponce de León, who called it La Florida in honor of Pascua Florida, the Spanish Feast of the Flowers at Easter time. While there are no official records, historians believe that Ponce de León was born in 1460 in San Tervas de Campos, Spain.

Ponce de León accompanied Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World. He became the first Governor of Puerto Rico by appointment of the Spanish Crown. He is also notable for his voyage to Florida, the first known European excursion there, as well as for being associated with the legend of the Fountain of Youth which is said to be in Florida.

With two vessels, 200 men, 50 horses and other domestic animals, and farm implements, he sailed for Florida. Upon landing on the west coast, his party was fiercely attacked by Native Americans, and he was severely wounded by an arrow. The expedition sailed immediately for Cuba, where Ponce de León died.

Pascua Florida Day Observances