Mission San Luis Hosts the 22nd Annual Blessing of Animals

Mission San Luis Hosts the 22nd Annual Blessing of Animals

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. -

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Secretary of State Cord Byrd invites guests to bring their favorite animal friends to Mission San Luis-a reconstructed 17th-century Spanish and Apalachee living history museum managed by the Florida Department of State- for the 22nd annual Blessing of Animals. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is free. All pets on leashes or in carriers are welcome.

"The Department is pleased to host this pet-friendly event each fall on the grounds of Mission San Luis," said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "Held in a reconstructed 17th century Spanish church, this event is a long-running Tallahassee tradition that honors the site's unique story and its place in Florida history."

The annual Blessing of Animals at Mission San Luis occurs near the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order and the patron saint of animals. St. Francis believed that all animals should be treated with dignity and respect. Pets will receive their blessing from area clergy in a reconstructed 17th-century church built on the site where the original church stood more than 300 years ago.

Blessing of Animals, 2025

As part of the experience, participants will receive certificates and online photos of the blessing and their pets as a memento. Guests will find themed photo stations around the site for more opportunities to take special photos with their pets. Animal organizations will be on site sharing information on the important work they do to support animals in Tallahassee and the surrounding communities. Guests are encouraged to bring donations of pet food and supplies for area animal shelters. Food vendors E's Weenies and The Copper Drip will have food and drinks available for guests to purchase.

The family-friendly event will also feature pet-themed crafts and activities for children, and living history interpreters will be stationed around the site to answer questions about the Mission's history.

The event is sponsored by Friends of Florida History, Inc, the Mission's citizen support organization, and by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Guests must use the entrance at 2021 Mission Road due to construction at the site. For more information, please visit MissionSanLuis.org or call 850.245.6406.

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About Mission San Luis
Florida's Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum was the western capital of Spanish Florida from 1656 to 1704. Today, the Mission brings the early 1700s to life with living history interpreters in period dress, reconstructed period buildings, exhibits, and archaeological research. The site is managed by the Florida Department of State, and support is provided by the Friends of Florida History, Inc. Mission San Luis is Tallahassee's only National Historic Landmark. Mission San Luis is located at 2100 West Tennessee Street in Tallahassee, Florida, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests must use the entrance at 2021 Mission Road due to construction at the site. Mission San Luis is pet-friendly to animals on leashes all year round. For more information visit MissionSanLuis.org.