Pasados del Presidio
/The Presidio Trust together with the National Park Service, invites the public to a two-day commemoration of the Presidio’s founding as a Spanish Army post, Pasados del Presidio, June 28-29. The free event honors the heritage of early Californian cultures—Native American, Spanish and Mexican—and the founding of El Presidio de San Francisco in 1776.
Prior to the arrival of Spanish colonists, indigenous tribes of Ohlone people called the Presidio home, with archeological evidence for native villages dating back to 740 A.D. In 1776 the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition from Sonora and Sinaloa (in modern Mexico) arrived with 191 colonists under the Spanish crown, many of whom were children, and established El Presidio de San Francisco and Mission Dolores. In 1835, the descendants of these and other colonists established the Mexican pueblo of Yerba Buena, which gave rise to a new American city called San Francisco.
Friday June 28, 12-3pm
Ever wonder what Early California was like? Join us to see history come to life through hands-on activities, a tortilla-making demonstration, and more. Music and dance by Ballet Folklórico Mexicano and others. Presented in partnership with the National Park Service.
Saturday June 29
Descendants of the founding families of the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition (1775-76) return to the Presidio to recognize the journey of their ancestors and the establishment of El Presidio de San Francisco. This program includes formal remarks, a procession by the Amigos de Anza horse-mounted riders, and a roll call of the people who made the original 1,200 mile trek from Sonora, Mexico in 1776.
Meet at Pershing Square, across from the Presidio Officers’ Club.
Our one hour guided tour will surprise you with stories and artifacts focusing on the Presidio’s rich Spanish and Mexican heritage. Learn about the early expeditions of people and animals to this area and the indigenous world they encountered. View the adobe walls of the original El Presidio de San Francisco Spanish fort, see historic cannons, and hear about recent archaeological discoveries. The walk is mostly on paved surfaces with some moderate inclines and uneven sections.
Meet at the Welcome Desk in the Officers' Club.
