Mission San Luis welcomes residents and their pets to the annual Blessing of Animals in a historic 17th-century Spanish church
Tallahassee, Florida – Pet owners and their furry companions are invited to celebrate an enduring tradition at Mission San Luis this Saturday, October 4, with the annual Blessing of Animals event. The occasion, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offers pets a chance to receive a special blessing from local clergy within the setting of a reconstructed 17th-century Spanish church. Admission is free, and all pets on leashes or in carriers are welcome to attend.
“The Department is pleased to host this pet-friendly event each fall on the grounds of Mission San Luis as a way to promote Florida’s history and heritage,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “As we prepare to celebrate America250FL, Mission San Luis is a great place to visit and learn about Florida’s colonial past representing one of the largest collections of 17th-century Spanish and Apalachee artifacts available anywhere.”
Mission San Luis, a living history museum managed by the Florida Department of State, brings the early 1700s to life through reconstructed buildings, period exhibits, and engaging interpreters. The site was once the western capital of Spanish Florida from 1656 to 1704 and now hosts events that combine cultural history with community involvement. This year marks the 21st consecutive year of the Blessing of Animals, timed to coincide with the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century Italian friar and patron saint of animals. Pets and their owners will gather inside the recreated Spanish church, built on the original site more than 300 years ago, providing a unique historical and spiritual experience.
Attendees of the event will receive keepsakes, including certificates and online photos of the blessing, allowing families to commemorate the moment. Local animal organizations will also be present, sharing information on the critical work they perform in supporting animals throughout Tallahassee and surrounding areas. Guests are encouraged to bring donations of pet food and supplies to help local animal shelters, further emphasizing the event’s community-oriented spirit.
The celebration is designed to be family-friendly, offering a variety of pet-themed crafts and activities for children. Mission San Luis interpreters, dressed in period wardrobe, will engage with guests to share insights into the daily lives of Spanish and Apalachee residents during the 17th century. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions about the Mission’s history, providing both an educational and interactive experience for attendees of all ages.
Due to ongoing construction at the site, guests are asked to use the entrance at 2021 Mission Road. All pets must remain leashed or in carriers for safety and comfort, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants. The site remains pet-friendly throughout the year, allowing residents to explore and learn alongside their companions.
Mission San Luis offers an immersive glimpse into Florida’s colonial past, featuring reconstructed buildings, archaeological exhibits, and live historical interpretation. The annual Blessing of Animals event reflects the museum’s dual mission of preserving history and fostering community engagement, creating a meaningful way for residents to connect with both the state’s past and their present-day companions.
For more information, including event details and site access, guests can visit MissionSanLuis.org or call 850-245-6406. With free admission, a focus on community involvement, and the unique backdrop of a historic Spanish church, the Blessing of Animals continues to be a cherished annual tradition in Tallahassee, drawing families and pets alike to celebrate history, heritage, and the special bond between humans and animals.
