Cabrillo Festival

Folkloric dancers are a highlight of the Cabrillo Festival.

NPS photo

A Festival to Commemorate the Voyage of Juan Rodriguez

Important Update:

The annual Cabrillo Festival was an event held by Cabrillo Festival Inc. to commemorate the voyage of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. It was put on hold during the pandemic and has yet to resume.

The annual Cabrillo Festival, organized by Cabrillo Festival Inc., commemorates the voyage of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. It was paused during the pandemic and has yet to resume. When it returns, be a part of history as we welcome 16th-century explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo as he steps ashore at Ballast Point for this vibrant celebration.

A Historical Re-enactment

Sailing under the Spanish flag, Cabrillo's first steps onto what is now Ballast Point marked the first European to set foot on the west coast of what would become the United States of America. The Cabrillo Festival is an exciting event for the entire family, featuring educational activities, cultural demonstrations, and exciting folkloric performances.

Cultural Celebrations

The festival showcases the traditions of Native American, Mexican, Portuguese, and Spanish cultures from the Age of Exploration. Enjoy booths with traditional foods and artisans displaying their crafts. The vibrant colors and dramatic music and dancing bring these rich traditions to life.

• Kumeyaay Indians demonstrate intricate basket weaving techniques and how to prepare acorns for eating.
• Flint knappers show how Native Americans made arrow points, knives, and scrapers.
• Historic re-enactors provide a glimpse into the daily life of 16th-century soldiers and sailors who explored New Spain with Cabrillo, Coronado, and DeSoto.

Festival Highlights

The highlight of the 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 the San Salvador (represented by the Californian) and once again claim the land for Spain.