Pasados del Presidio Event Commemorates the Past

Presidio of San Francisco (June 15, 2006) — Join us for a commemoration of the Presidio’s history with talks, music and fun for kids. This years’ event marks the 230th anniversary of the founding of the Presidio by the Spanish, and celebrates the Ohlone, Spanish and Mexican cultures’ influence on California and the Presidio. All events take place at the Presidio Officers’ Club at 50 Moraga Avenue at Arguello Boulevard on the Presidio, unless otherwise noted.

The events start on Tuesday, June 27 at 7 pm with a talk and booksigning by author Vladmir Guerrero, who will speak about the Anza Trail and the settling of California. On Thursday, June 29th, at 7 pm, Lee Davis of San Francisco State University will speak on the Spanish settlement of California by the Anza Expedition.

Kids Passport through Time, a daylong event on Friday, June 30th from 11 am to 4 pm is an opportunity for kids to learn early California music and dance, uncover the Presidio’s past with park archaeologists and explore shipwreck archaeology with the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Children can meet Ohlone Indians and other descendents of early California; taste 18th century cooking, and experience early California rancho life with Juana Briones. Meet at Mountain Lake playground (near 12th and Lake Street) at 9 am for a morning history walk with Anza himself.

On the June 30th from 7 – 9 pm, the renowned Coro Hispano de San Francisco, with dancers from Los Lupeños, will present FANDANGO!, showcasing the songs and dances of early California.

Pasados del Presidio is a commemoration of the early native, Spanish and Mexican cultures that helped shape and form San Francisco. It is also a celebration of this unique national park’s cultural heritage.