¡Olé! The Flamenco Puro Dance Company will perform a traditional Spanish-inspired dance at the Orlando Public Library’s Downtown branch. The musical and dance event is part of Viva Florida 500, a compilation of festivities throughout 2013. This year marks a significant milestone for our Sunshine State as residents, visitors, and historians alike celebrate the 500^th anniversary of Juan Ponce de León landing on Florida’s east coast! According to a popular legend, Ponce de León discovered Florida while searching for a mythical spring, now famously known as the Foundation of Youth, a popular destination in St. Augustine.

Flamenco is a genre of Spanish music, song, and dance from Andalusia (in southern Spain) that includes canto (singing), toque (guitar playing), baile (dance), and palmas (handclaps). “The arrival of the Spanish explorers 500 years ago helped spark a historic exchange between two very different worlds ─ old and new ─ that led to the multicultural phenomenon that is still present in the culture of Florida today,” says Mary Anne Hodel, Director and CEO, Orange County Library System. This celebratory Flamenco performance will be suitable for all ages and exude our state’s important and historic connection to Spain.

This entertainment event is just one enjoyable commemoration of Florida’s quincentennial celebration! Throughout 2013, the Orange County Library System will continue to share a series of special programs, festivities, exhibits, performances, and more to explore our state’s historical treasures.

• WHEN: May 11^th at 2:00 pm
• WHERE: Orlando Public Library 101 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32801
• COST: Free!
• WEBSITE: OCLS.info/VivaFlorida500 or VivaFlorida.org
• INFO: (407) 835-7320