Casa Serrano
412 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA, United States
Terry Trotter will discuss some of the Art and Artists on exhibit in Casa Serrano. This event is free for MHAA Members, $10 for Non Members.
Join MHAA and local art expert Terry Trotter on March 3rd from 2-4 pm for a captivating tour of the art and artists at the historic Casa Serrano adobe. Explore the cultural richness and heritage of this iconic location while gaining valuable insights into the artistic significance it holds.
Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of art and history.
Monterey History and Art at Stanton Center
5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, California
Join us at the Stanton Center Museum on Saturday, March 16, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM for an artist reception showcasing the diverse and captivating works of local artist Tony Klaas. From his early influences in the theater to encounters with iconic figures like Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso, Klaas's journey is reflected in his ever-evolving art. Explore his distinct styles over the decades, from surrealism to landscape realism, all bound by his belief in the transformative power of color. Immerse yourself in the magic of Tony Klaas's artistic legacy.
Stanton Center
5 Custom House Plaze, Monterey, CA, United States
Join us on Saturday, April 20, for a captivating Family Day Open House hosted by the Monterey History and Art Association. From 10 am to 4 pm, explore a variety of intriguing historical and artistic venues at various MHAA locations. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Monterey with exhibits and activities designed for all ages.
As part of the experience, there's an exclusive opportunity to become a member, unlocking access to a year-round calendar of special members-only events. This promises to be an exciting day filled with discoveries and memorable moments.
For the latest updates and detailed information about the event, please visit montereyhistory.org/events. Save the date, and stay tuned for more details as we approach this enriching day of exploration!
"Monterey's Hidden Gem: A Journey Through Jade's History" invites you to traverse the veiled pathways of history and delve deep into the emerald-hued legacy that has quietly shaped our community. From the tranquil shores of Monterey Bay to the rugged cliffs of the Big Sur coast, jade has silently woven itself into the fabric of our local narrative.
Through a captivating display of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits, "Monterey's Hidden Gem" reveals the untold stories of jade miners and artisans who carve out a living from the earth's green bounty. Experience the history and allure of Monterey Bay Jade at the Stanton Center through the end of June.
2024 Annual La Merienda Celebration – City of Monterey’s 254th birthday party features a BARBECUE BUFFET EXTRAVAGANZA by Old Fisherman’s Grotto Chefs and the VIP Merienda Barbecue Committee. who will create a five-star culinary experience.
Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 11:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
If there is a particular table you want to be seated at or you want to sit with specific people, please email us at merienda2024@gmail.com with your preference.
A Local Tradition
Each year since La Merienda was founded, a local young woman with connections to Monterey is chosen as La Favorita, and with her lovely court, reigns over this unique celebration of Monterey’s history. Two other young women are selected to serve as her attendants (“Doncellas”). The women who are chosen for these roles are accompanied by a chaperone (“La Duena”). These young women dress in traditional Spanish gowns and mantillas (scarves) and greet guests, cut the birthday cake, and hold court at the celebration.
The recipient of the 2024 Laura Bride Powers Award, Monterey History & Art Association’s most prestigious award, will be honored at this year’s La Merienda. This award is named after the woman who is credited with conceiving both the idea of the Association and the Merienda celebration, which antedated MHAA’s founding. Mrs. Powers was the Curator of the Custom House and First Theater and an ardent student of California history.
La Merienda can be described as a “party within a party” with uniquely decorated hosted tables. Attendees may invite friends, don a costume, decorate a table, and have fun at this festive event! Come for the celebration, join a table and make some new friends. Meet elected officials, military leaders, and local dignitaries at this not-to-be-missed annual event!
Monterey History & Art Association members may purchase tickets starting March 1st for $100 and, if available, non-members may purchase tickets on April 1st. Whole tables can only be purchased on March 1st if all table attendees are members. On April 1st all non-member attendees (if seats are still available) pay the non-member price of $125.
Sponsorships are available to underwrite the cost of La Merienda.
Some of the past La Merienda’s valued sponsors were Lucia Boggiatto, Charles Chrietzberg, Candyland, Cannery Row Company, Cima Colina, Coin & Treasure Shoppe, Fenton and Keller, 1st Capital Bank, Anthony Lombardo & Associates, Mission Linen, Monterey Bay Restaurant Equipment, Monterey County Bank, Nicora Law Offices, LLP, Morgan Stanley, Old Fisherman’s Grotto, Portola Hotel & Spa, Peter B’s Brewpub, and Santa Cruz County Bank.
The La Merienda Barbecue is always served by well-known community members. In past years, La Merienda Head Barbecue servers have included the late Peter Coniglio, who coordinated this part of the event in the past for over 40 years, with Chris Shake taking it on in 2015.
Past La Merienda Barbecue Committee members included:
Honorable Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defense and Director of CIA, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, State Assemblyman Mark Stone, Monterey County Supervisor Mary Adams, Monterey County Sheriff Steve Bernal, Former Monterey County District Attorney Dean Flippo, City of Monterey Councilman Dan Albert, Jr., Former City of Monterey Mayor Dan Albert, Sr. District Attorney Jeannine Pancioni, Honorable Judge Stephanie Hulsey, City of Carmel Mayor Dave Potter and other community leaders.
La Merienda (the Spanish word for a picnic) includes great food and entertainment, a procession, and much, much more. This not-to-be-missed very special community event celebrates the founding of the City of Monterey in June 1770 when Father Junipero Serra and Captain Gaspar de Portola celebrated with a picnic overlooking the Monterey Bay.
La Merienda, Monterey’s annual birthday party, is a colorful fiesta barbecue of delicious foods, wine, beer, soft drinks, gallant dons and donas, lovely senoritas, lively music, and festive dance. La Merienda (the Spanish term for an afternoon picnic or mid-day meal) re-enacts an elegant 18th-century fiesta. It celebrates the founding of the town of Monterey on June 3, 1770, when Padre Junípero Serra, father of the California missions (now Saint Junipero Serra), and Captain Gaspar de Portola, a Spanish military leader, joined forces to establish the pueblo of Monterey, California’s first Capital. Their meeting also honored the founding of the “Royal Presidio Chapel”, which today is known as San Carlos Cathedral. After the ceremonies that day, everyone sat down for a picnic under a large oak tree near their ship, the San Antonio, which rested in the harbor.
The first modern Merienda was celebrated in 1929, two years before the formation of the Monterey History & Art Association. A ceremony at Colton Hall and a small luncheon at the Memory Garden marked the occasion. It was presided over by Carmel Martin and Harry Greene. The next year, 350 people joined Carmel Martin, who again acted as Master of Ceremonies, in the Memory Garden and once again celebrated Monterey’s birthday. The Monterey History & Art Association has celebrated this important early California historic event every year since the Association was established in 1931 (except one year during World War II and 2020 & 2021 due to covid). The large rose-adorned birthday cake is carried in by local young men (“cake-bearers”) and is sliced with the sword of Colonel Roger S. Fitch, the first President of the Monterey History & Art Association.
