Celebration held for Festa's 100th anniversary

The Holy Trinity Association committee beamed with pride as they watched the people of the community flock the Portuguese hall to celebrate Gridley's Centennial Festa (The Feast of the Holy Ghost).

The 100 Year Anniversary of the event had been carefully planned for the last year and anticipated right up until the first person stepped through the doors. Renovation of the hall included new paint, new floors, remodeling of the Capella, with new cabinets and new flooring in the kitchen.

All year long, many, many hours of preparation went into this event and by the look on the faces of the crowd, the hard work definitely paid off.

The entrance to the hall was brightly decorated with the colors of the Portuguese flag represented in huge balloon arches. The colorful ribbons that were hung on posts and several walls were also in red, green and yellow.

Historical photos of past Queens, side-maids, their friends, and families were displayed everywhere for the people to see and reflect upon the past events.

But, the most cherished area of the hall was the Capella, the area where all the artifacts of the past were carefully preserved and put on display. Flags, posters, photos, (some that dated back to 1913), Queen's capes, dresses, ribbons, crowns and commemorative lapel pins all worn by participants of the past, were there on display for attendants to enjoy.

Along with these heirlooms and treasures, was a special presentation that played continually on the TV screen for folks to stop and watch. Exclamations of “Ooo's and Ahh's,” along with laughter and tears came from the many people who saw family members, some no longer living, in the showing of this beautifully prepared DVD, which can be purchased for $15 by calling Arlene Grein at 868-5400.

The Festa begins at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church for a special mass where the Queen's are blessed and crowned and then they and their families arrive at the Hall for the feast.

The feast of the Holy Ghost is the representation of the legend of Queen Isabel of Aragon (not to be confused with Queen Isabella and Christopher Columbus) who was affected by the plight of her people who were suffering from famine and drought.

The queen secretly snuck bread to her people, by hiding it under her clothing. When the King suspected what she was up to one day, he ordered her to open her apron and upon doing so, a bunch of roses spilled to the floor. This miracle perplexed the King, not only because of the rumor of bread being concealed, but also because of the fact that fresh roses didn't bloom in January.

The tradition of feeding many, many people has been carried on since then and Gridley's Festa was no exception on Saturday night, when over 600 people were fed Sopas (traditional bread and broth), meat, potato salad and vegetables.

Over 800 pounds of meat, prepared with a secret spice handed down from generation to generation is cooked in huge pots, along with cabbage and carrots that add additional flavor.

At least 300 pounds of potatoes were cooked to make up pans and pans of potato salad. The Sopas meat and vegetables are placed in trays, topped with fresh mint and taken to the tables. The Queens and their families are always fed first and then the people come in to be seated. This year, because of the huge crowd, there were two feedings.

Of course there is always fresh cheese, sweet bread and tremocos (a traditional Lupin bean) on the tables to enjoy. Delicious beverages were also available at the bar and traditional “orange” punch was served all night.

Prior to the dinner, at the Queen's entrance, the National Anthem, and the Portuguese Anthem are sung while the Queen, her side-maids and escorts stand proudly for all to admire.

After the dinner, a huge raffle was held, where many, many items had been donated and displayed and people purchased tickets to place in the jars of the prize of their liking. This year “grand” prizes were offered in the raffle, included concert tickets to groups such as Chicago, Journey and Lynard Skynard. But the favorite prize of the crowd was a beautiful stainless steel gas BBQ and the winner of the grand prize almost fainted when his number was called.

After the raffle, the music began. Wonderful songs were played by Wes, a local DJ who knew what the crowd liked and was very gracious to play any song that was requested.

A major highlight of the evening was when the band came up on stage and performed the traditional the Chamarita, a Portuguese folk dance that no Festa is ever without. This band consisted of two sisters and three daughters and had been practicing over and over again to perfection.

When they started the music, the crowd jumped from their seats, young and old alike, to get on the dance floor. This year there were so many people dancing the Chamarita, two rings had to be formed and laughter filled the air. Queens, their escorts, their families and friends danced, while the small children played in the middle of the circle, a tradition that many of the elders remembered doing themselves.

Special calls are shouted out and the dancers follow the instructions (or at least try to), as they change partners and stomp their feet.

The dancing continued throughout the night along with people sitting on the sidelines talking and enjoying each other's company and reminiscing the days of old.

Members of the committee continued to view the success of the event, and although the preparation was exhausting, it was clear it was more than appreciated and enjoyed by each and every one of the people that came through the doors. There is no doubt that these people will return next year for this annual event.

This year's Queens were (Big Queen) – Brittany Hurd, daughter of Valerie Hurd, granddaughter of Elaine Lopes. Escort was Jacob Ellis, son of Jim and Peggy Ellis, grandson of Jerry and Margaret Stanton.

Escort was Lane Bennett, son of Chris and Shannon Bennett, grandson of Mickey Bennett.

(Little Queen) Taylor Niesen, daughter of John and Suzanne Niesen, granddaughter of Melvin and Sandy Morris.

Side-Maid Jordan Perry, daughter of Jason and Deidre Perry, granddaughter of Eugene and Marcie Perry, great granddaughter of Mary Perry.

Side-Maid Brinley Lopes, daughter of Kevin and Kathy Lopes, granddaughter of Ray Bettencourt.

Representing Queen Isabel was Maddee Cluck, daughter of Danny and Heather Cluck, granddaughter of Richard and Melanee Vieira, great-granddaughter of Julia Vieira.

2010 Little Queens were Haley Hammond, daughter of Drew and Amber Hammond, granddaughter of Perry and Debra Flores, great-granddaughter of Frank and Irene Flores.

2010 Big Queen was Katie Paredes, daughter of Terry and Kim Paredes.