Natchez Tricentennial: Celebration of the Spanish influence

  • Heritage
  • Natchez, MS
  • Fri, May 27 —
    Sat, May 28, 2016
Natchez Tricentennial: Celebration of the Spanish influence

Natchez, Mississippi –one of the oldest continuous European settlements on the Mississippi River– is celebrating 300 years.

Natchez was founded on August 3, 1716 by the French at the site known as Fort Rosalie. The Spanish took control of Natchez from the British in 1779 and held it until the creation of the Mississippi Territory, as part of the US, in 1798. It was the Spanish who laid out the grid of downtown streets that is still present today. With liberal views on immigration and religion, as well as being witness to the rapid success of cotton farming, the Spanish reign of Natchez was thought of as “the golden era” for the city. To commemorate Natchez’s Spanish influence, the Tricentennial International Committee has designed an itinerary representing the Spanish influence on Natchez and surrounding lands.


Featured events

Serenata: An Evening in Old Spanish Natchez

  • On Friday, May 27 at Governor Holmes House and Texada Wall Street, between Washington Street and State Street.
  • Admission: $75, includes tours of Governor Holmes House and Texada); $40 (without tours of Governor Holmes House and Texada.

In 1789, Manuel Gayoso de Lemos climbed the high bluffs of Natchez for the very first time. He would later become the first governor of the Natchez District, and his city would serve as the first capital of the Mississippi Territory, the first capital of Mississippi and become the largest and wealthiest city in Mississippi. Gayoso’s Natchez consisted of only thirty-four city blocks. Wall Street, between Washington Street and State Street, was in the very heart of old Spanish Natchez. Come join us on those same streets, the Old Spanish Quarter, for a tour of two historic homes, the Governor Holmes House and Texada. In addition to touring these two spectacular homes, you will be serenaded by beautiful live Spanish music, taste marvelous Spanish wines, and enjoy delicious Spanish tapas.

Carmen

  • On Saturday, May 28 at 7 pm at the Natchez Performing Arts Center at Margaret Martin, 64 Homochitto Street, Natchez, MS.
  • Buy tickets.

The most popular opera ever written, Carmen tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a young soldier who is seduced by the sultry gypsy Carmen. In Seville, Spain in 1830, Carmen’s raw, irresistible charm drives Don José to self-destruction. Abandoning his hometown sweetheart and deserting his military duties, José’s world is gradually destroyed by this woman who can’t be controlled by any man! Carmen’s desire for the famous toreador Escamillo and a life of absolute freedom sends José into a murderous rage in the final scene. Carmen features many well-known arias such as the famous Habanera and the Toreador Song. This story of passion and fire is not to be missed.

Venue

Venue map

Various venues in Natchez, MS

More information

Natchez Tricentennial

Credits

Organized by the city of Natchez. With the support of the National Park Service, Visit Mississippi, Visit Natchez, the Clinton Foundation-Humana Partnership, Historic Natchez Foundation, Natchez Museum of African American History & Culture and the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce.

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