Celebrate San Francisco’s Birthday
and
Arrival of the Anza Expedition in June 1776
The Presidio of San Francisco
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Pershing Square (Arguello Boulevard at Moraga Avenue)
Descendants of the founding families of the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition (1775-76) will celebrate the 249th anniversary of the arrival of Spanish soldados de cuera ("leather-jacket soldiers”) and the men, women, and children who made the long journey overland to San Francisco and founded El Presidio de San Francisco and Mission San Francisco de Asis (Mission Dolores).
10:30 AM Formal Welcome & Flower Ceremony, Pershing Square by Officers Club
- Reserve Seating for Ceremony (free) is recommended
- Open to the Public: Period Clothing is welcome (Soldado, Vaquero, pioneer, military)
- Join in singing the beautiful Alabado, as our ancestors did daily on their long trek
- Roll Call of Anza expedition members as descendants commemorate their Californio ancestors by placing a flower in a special memorial display
12:00 PM Los Californianos and Networking Luncheon in Anza Room of Historic Officers Club, Anza Room
Lunch Program
Alta California Land Grants: From Anza’s Trail to Mexican Ranchos
by Susan Skilton
Susan Skilton, professional genealogist specializing in Alta California, will trace the evolution of land ownership in Alta California - from the early Spanish expeditions and the de Anza Trail to the vast Mexican ranchos, and the legal upheaval that followed California’s admission to the Union. These land grants affected settlement patterns, regional development, and family histories that still resonate today.
- Luncheon Program Registration is REQUIRED before 6/22, $66.00 per person
- See Register link on left to register
OR Picnic from mobile food trucks
Purchase delicious food celebrating our diverse cultures & cuisines (Presidio Pop Up Schedule - The Presidio (San Francisco))
OR bring your own picnic to enjoy on beautiful Presidio lawn
12:00 PM or 2:00 PM Visit Presidio Heritage Gallery in the historic Officer’s Club before/after lunch
View the adobe walls of the original El Presidio de San Francisco Spanish fort, see historic cannons, and learn about recent archaeological discoveries.
Presidio Heritage Gallery presents the Presidio story through multi-media displays - including films, images, and artifacts. View artifacts focusing on the Presidio’s richSpanish and Mexican heritage. Los Californianos members made numerous contributions to this exhibit, participated in docent education, and are included in the gallery video interviews.
3:00 PM Guided tour of Old Mission Dolores, 3321 16th St, San Francisco; parking behind building.
Parking is strictly enforced; pay stations accept credit/debit cards & coins (no bills); $3/hour & $12.50 - $15/day, Map: http://www.presidio.gov/visit/printable-maps & https://presidio.gov/visit/getting-to-and-around-the-park/how-to-pay-for-parking
Sign Up at Register link on left for Ceremony & Lunch
See: http://www.presidio.gov/places/presidio-visitor-center
Donations for 2025 and 2026 Anza Celebrations are
Greatly Appreciated!