Big Birthday Party in Monterey
MONTEREY, CALIF. — On June 3, 2017 the annual La Merienda (picnic) invites the public to purchase tickets for a very special barbecue with mariachis, piñatas and a big birthday cake served in the Memory Garden on Custom House Plaza. The event celebrates Monterey’s 247th birthday. A bit of history… Captain Gaspar de Portola was joined by Franciscan Father Junipero Serra for a mass held under the Monterey Oaks on June 3, 1770. It was the establishment of the California mission headquarters and founding of Monterey. Six years later in 1776 Spain named Monterey the capital of Baja (lower) and Alta (upper) California. The city’s history is as significant and fascinating as any place in the state.
Pirates!
An effort to destroy Spain’s presence in California brought an attack on Monterey by Argentinean Hippolyte Bouchard in 1818. His attempt to overthrow the regime is considered California’s most famous pirate attack. Our state has always held a fascination for pirates with theme parks offering pirate attractions, and movie productions starring Johnny Depp as pirate Jack Sparrow grossing more than $1 billion.
Pirate Festivals
- VENTURA: Pirate Days Festival, June 3-4, 2017, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Spinnaker Dr., Ventura Harbor
- VALLEJO: Northern California Pirate Festival June 17-18 at Vallejo Waterfront Park
- LONG BEACH Pirate Invasion of the Belmont Pier July 1-2
