San Diego's 2008 Cabrillo Festival

Journey back to September 28, 1542 when Cabrillo, a Portuguese navigator sailing under the flag of Spain, landed at San Diego. Stepping ashore on Ballast Point, he was the first European to land on the west coast of what is now 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 Cabrillo Festival features food booths with delicious traditional Mexican, Native American, Portuguese and Spanish food. Vendors will showcase their various artistic goods.

The highlight of the Cabrillo 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 San Salvador (The Californian), and once again claim the land for Spain. Ashley DaRosa, Miss Cabrillo Festival 2008 is a student at Scripps Ranch High School. She will represent the Cabrillo Festival at events in Ensenada and San Diego during Cabrillo Festival Week.

A Voyage of Discovery aboard the tall ship Lynx. Climb aboard the Lynx and step back in time on September 28, 2008 for the Cabrillo Festival commemorating the discovery of San Diego Bay on 28 September 1542 by Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo as he Climbed out of his boat and onto shore on 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. Lynx will sail along side the Californian and relive this time in history.

Reservations Call: 866-446-5969

Cost: $75.00

9:00 - 2:00 pm

Boarding at the Maritime Museum of San Diego