The annual Fiesta Days Celebration features exciting events such as the Centennial Imports Fiesta Boat Parade (above), the boat parade landing celebration (top), the sand sculpting contest (top left) and the Pen Air Federal Credit Union Fiesta Day Parade. It’s June, and the Fiesta Days are here again!

The Fiesta of Five Flags is an annual celebration of the founding of Pensacola by the Spanish conquistador Don Tristan de Luna in 1559.

De Luna established Pensacola as the first European settlement in the United States and since that time five different flags have flown over the city: Spanish, French, British, Confederate and American.

This celebration is one of the oldest and largest heritage festivals in the state of Florida.

The Fiesta of Five Flags 61st anniversary celebration will take place June 3 through June 13.The Fiesta Days schedule of events is as follows:

Thursday, June 3

● Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon Fiesta Days Celebration: From 7-10 p.m. at Seville Quarter. The celebration begins with entertainment, decorations and delicious food in five rooms, each saluting our history under the flags of the five governments that have flown over our city - Spain, France, England, The Confederacy and the United States. Tickets are $30.

● Surrender of the City: At 7:30 p.m., local dignitaries such as Mayor Mike Wiggins, Police Chief John Mathis, Supervisor of Elections David Stafford and Pensacola Naval Air Station Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Plummer, are captured by the Fiesta Forces and surrender the City of Pensacola and its citizens to De Luna, his queen, and the Fiesta Forces for the Fiesta season.

Saturday, June 5

● Fiesta Prayer Service: At 10 a.m. at the Historic Old Christ Church in Downtown Pensacola. The Fiesta celebration continues with the traditional ecumenical service. The public is invited to attend.

● Centennial Imports Fiesta Boat Parade: The annual boat parade begins at 1 p.m. from the mouth of Bayou Chico. The public is invited to join the procession in their boats. Boats must pass under the Bob Sikes Bridge between 1:15 to 1:45 p.m. to be considered for entry for $300 cash prize, given to the best decorated boat.

● De Luna Landing Ceremony: At 3 p.m. on the Portofino Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach. Under orders from King Phillip II of Spain, Conquistador Don Tristan de Luna sailed into the waters surrounding what is now Pensacola. The De Luna Landing Ceremony is a light hearted reenactment.

Sunday, June 6

● Beach Community Bank Fiesta Sand Sculpture Contest: At 8 a.m. behind Pensacola Beach Gulfside Pavilion. Enter in the guppy, youth, teen, adult, or open (semi-pro and pro) division. More than $1,900 in cash prizes is up for grabs.

Wednesday, June 9

● Fiesta All Krewe Ball: At 7:30 p.m. at the Corrine Jones Community Center. This is a gala affair honoring Mardi Gras and Fiesta monarchs as they, in turn, honor De Luna LXI.

Thursday, June 10

● Pen Air Federal Credit Union Fiesta Day Parade: At 6:30 p.m., come downtown to catch some beads and enjoy watching beautiful floats parade through downtown Pensacola. Special appearances will be made by De Luna LXI, his queen, their court, and our parade grand marshal.

For more information about these or other upcoming Fiesta events, call the Fiesta of Five Flags office at (850) 433-6512 or go to the Fiesta Web site at www.FiestaofFiveFlags.org.