On Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015, the city of St. Augustine celebrated 450 years since Spanish explorer Don Pedro Menendez first set foot in what would become known as "America's oldest city." Scott Fais was there as the city retraced the steps of history.

They marched, and they prayed.

"It's amazing, after 450 years, that we are here," said the Rev. Juan Hernandez, who traveled from Spain to join the celebration.

On Monday, St. Augustine retraced the steps of Don Pedro Menendez making landfall in Florida 450 years ago, on Sept. 8, 1565.

"This is a very historic place," said Noemi Alvarez, visiting St. Augustine from Michigan.

"Pedro Menendez, with a grand ceremony and parade — they always describe it as drummers drumming and pipers piping — came ashore with his whole entourage, with dancers and musicians and noblemen, and all of the officers," said Dr. Kathleen Deagan, an archaeologist from the University of Florida who excavated St. Augustine's early settlement.


Bishop Felipe J. Estévez (right) of the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine leads a procession on the 450th anniversary of the city's founding Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. (Scott Fais, Staff)

Folks gathered in the streets Monday to watch the processional. The parade through town ended in a commemorative Catholic Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine.

"They were celebrating the Eucharist, holy Mass and thanksgiving for landing here," Rev. Hernandez said.


A congregation prays outside the Basilica of St. Augustine during a Mass marking the 450th anniversary of the city's founding Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. (Scott Fais, Staff)

Four years of planning with the Vatican brought a first-class relic to town from the patron Saint Augustine of Hippo. A finger of St. Augustine dating back to the year 430 was brought to the basilica, where it will rest for the next month.

Monday's celebration was exciting for people of all backgrounds.

"To know we were here first, it gave me that wonderful feeling that part of my history is here," said Indira Moran, visiting from Fleming Island.


Actors dress in historical Spanish clothing during the city of St. Augustine's 450th anniversary festivities Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. (Scott Fais, Staff)

While most people at the festivities were excited to celebrate history, a handful of protestors tried to interrupt the event. Yet even with the small protests, some Native Americans who participated in the processional Monday said there was nothing to criticize about the day.

"When I found out the Native Americans weren't being represented, I stepped in, and the town loved me ever since," said Austin Light, an actor and historian.

Light, who said he is part Comanche Indian from Texas, added he believes the 450th anniversary celebration was an opportunity to set the record straight.

According to Light, "Yes, the native population was diminished, but that was due to disease alone."

The folks who gathered in St. Augustine on Monday said it's the memories they'll remember.

"Every time I come to St. Augustine, there are great memories I bring back," Alvarez said.