Blessing of Animals at Mission San Luis This Saturday

West Palm Beach residents and their pets are invited to Mission San Luis this Saturday, October 3, 2026, for the 22nd annual Blessing of Animals. The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offers animal companions a blessing from local clergy within the historic setting of the reconstructed 17th-century Spanish church.

Secretary of State Cord Byrd extended the invitation, noting the event's tradition and its connection to the living history museum. "The Department is pleased to host this pet-friendly event each fall on the grounds of Mission San Luis," Byrd stated. "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 blessing ceremony aligns with the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

The event will feature themed photo stations for guests and their pets. Several animal organizations will share information about their work in the Tallahassee area. Attendees can bring donations of pet food and supplies for local shelters. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from E's Weenies and The Copper Drip.

The family-friendly event also includes pet-themed crafts and activities for children. Living history interpreters will discuss the history of Mission San Luis, Florida’s Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum, which served as the western capital of Spanish Florida from 1656 to 1704. The museum is Tallahassee’s only National Historic Landmark.