Friday, Jun. 05, 2009

Annual 'festa' planned for this weekend

Community honors heritage with festivities in town

The Portuguese community of Los Baños will once again come together in celebration of their faith and heritage on Satrurday and Sunday.

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Los Baños on Saturday. A prayer of the rosary will be held at 7 p.m. at the D.E.S. Hall Chapel. The hall is located at 1155 I Street. Folklore dancing will precede the rosary ceremony performed by local dance groups. At 9 p.m., a dance will be held.

On June 7 at 9:30 a.m., the Portuguese community, along with numerous representatives from various communities throughout California will begin their march through Los Baños, from the D.E.S. Hall to St. Joseph's Church.

"The procession is a beautiful example of a tradition that has not only thrived with passing generations, but has traveled from Portugal and the Azores Islands and managed to remain true to its roots," Simon Sequeira, D.E.S president, said in an e-mail.

Following the Portuguese Festa parade, Mass will be held at the church at 11 a.m. The concluding Mass will lead the groups back to the D.E.S. Hall. A traditional lunch of "sopas" will be served. Another rosary presentation will be held at 7 p.m. following by another serving of sopas and a dance.

"The entire event is open to the public at no cost," Sequeira said. "In following this timeless tradition, the Portuguese community honors the memory of St. Isabelle and the way she expressed her faith in the Holy Spirit."

--Samantha Salas