Juan Sebastián de Elcano

Juan Sebastián de Elcano, the world’s third largest tall ship, visited Pensacola June 3 - 9 at the Port of Pensacola to help commemorate the 60th annual Fiesta of Five Flags celebration and Pensacola’s 450 anniversary. Pensacola was settled in 1559 by Spanish explorers, and the tall ship will represent this journey and honor the community’s Spanish heritage.

The Juan Sebastián de Elcano was launched on March 5, 1927. The official training ship for the Royal Spanish Navy, the Elcano has sailed more than 1.5 million nautical miles on 77 cruises, 10 of which have been around the world. Considered to be a “floating embassy,” the ship’s presence in foreign countries and ports has enhanced Spanish foreign policy across the globe.

The Juan Sebastián de Elcano first visited Pensacola in 1959 during Pensacola’s 400th anniversary. Fiesta and the Elcano Committee members are busy making plans for the seven day celebration which will tie in nicely with the 60th Anniverstary of the Fiesta of Five Flags Annual Celebration in June.

For more information about the Juan Sebastián de Elcano, call the Fiesta office at (850) 433-6512.

A special thank to BBVA Compass and Premier Beverage Company for sponsoring the Welcome Reception.