 On The Line -- Issue 637 -- June 1, 2007  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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On The Line -- Issue 637 -- June 1, 2007 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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There are some events whose charm does not seem to fail and in which any change is gradual and does not diminish the enjoyment. One of the most popular of those locally has become an institution since it was introduced in the late 19th Century.
The annual two-day Portuguese Festival was held at the Portuguese Lodge this year on May 26 and 27. It is estimated that more than a thousand persons participated in some part of it over the weekend: some as officials, and many as guests and/or spectators. The observance began centuries ago in medieval Portugal when good Queen Isabella toured her realm to determine how she could alleviate the condition of the country's poorest citizens. Legend has it that one village was so destitute that its citizens could raise only enough money to buy a portion of beef and several loaves of bread. They planned to give the queen the beef and to sop the bread in its broth for themselves. Touched by their selflessness, the legend continues, they found themselves with abundance of beef and bread, enough to feed them and for wayfarers to share. Since then, wherever the sons and daughters of Portugal settle, they continue the tradition. Over the years Portuguese Lodge members have demonstrated the spirit of the festival by making it open to anyone who wants to attend, with the meal entirely free. At least three separate feedings are held in the lodge's downstairs dining room, from late morning until mid-afternoon. Hundreds of pounds of beef are prepared and many, many loaves of bread sliced for soaking in the broth. Many heads of cabbage are cooked so that the meal may be better balanced. The cabbage was an innovation from early in this decade. One of the highlights of Saturday is the selection of the queen and her two side maids (attendants). Chosen as queen this year was Kristine Leal. The selection of the side maids showed that it was all in the family, the queen's sister and cousin, Jill Leal and Jenna Brigantino. And speaking of family, Anthony Silva is the president of the lodge as he has been before and a post which each of his brothers, Joe Silva and Manuel Silva, have held, and may hold again. But it's just not a brother act for the Silvas; Anthony's wife, Cindy Silva, is also active in planning the event each year and in doing a lot of work to assure its success. Joe's wife, Frances Silva, and Manuel's, Carol Silva, get into the act, too. Wait a minute: we're not done with the Silvas yet; Anthony and Cindy's sons, Brian and Kevin Silva, have been inspired by their parents' and uncles' example, and see what they can do to help out. Their respective wives, Jenae and Valerie Silva, also are willing workers. Several years ago, Anthony Silva remarked that, "Probably the only Silva you won't see at the festival is Long John Silva," to which Manuel Silva responded, "But he may show up at the next one." The Silvas are the first to acknowledge that many members of many other families have worked hard over the years to assure the festival's continuing success, with some already into the fourth and fifth generation. A procession began on Sunday at 10 a.m. from the front of the lodge and through downtown Hollister, then proceeded to Sacred Heart Church for a special mass before returning to the lodge. About 45 units participated in it with the queen and her side maids smiling and waving at friends who lined the route. Other Central Coast lodges took part and some bands, including San Benito High School's Scarlet Regiment. While the procession was going on, the first feeding of guests was under progress. Many familiar persons were at their posts in cooking or serving the meal, including Leo Soares, Mike Machado and Kirk Tognazzini. Manuel Yuste is a good person to get information from. He was there with wife Geri Yuste and between them they seem to know almost everyone. He pointed out that she was the last queen chosen in the San Juan Bautista Festival years ago. Mrs. Yuste said, "My father (Frank Gomes) led the parade every year back then, and everyone had a lot of fun." She smiled at a passing waiter. "That's her nephew, Alan Graves," Yuste said. "His brother, Dave, is up from Orange County this year. They're both lawyers so be careful." Yuste is a member of San Benito High School's Class of 1948, so attended it at the same time as Leonard Poletti, Ron Rodrigues, Peter Frusetta and many other notable residents. He was a member of both the football and baseball teams. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Lloyd Serpa stopped to say hello to him, and after he had gone Yuste said "Lloyd was one of the best running backs the Balers ever had." He mused for a moment, then added, "We had many good athletes back then." Elvira Cardoza came over for a moment to talk with the Yustes. She offered the fact that she is going to be 90 in September. Mrs. Yuste asked, "How's George Gilroy?" and Mrs. Cardoza only smiled. Outside, the paraders returned from Mass. A dove was released from its cage on the steps of the lodge, and people started to get ready for the auction. Lillian Perreira and Mary Hubbell went by, among two of the busiest ladies one will see at the festival, and Cindy Silva went upstairs to lend a hand. In the meantime, Linda Fine was finding a chair for her father, Walter Fine, and looking for her friend, Dianna Lentz. Bib Parsons stopped by to talk, keeping an eye on his grandchildren, and Manuel and Peggy Bettencourt swept by with their grandchildren. Monaca Machado was actively interested in the auction as she always is. Many lodge members donate items that are vigorously bid upon to often several times what an item may be worth. The proceeds help the lodge's programs. The weather was in the low to mid-70s, a pleasant contrast to the weather during some past auctions when it was blistering, even in the shade. From time to time people left their benches to go over to the refreshment stands to buy beverages and other items. Anthony Silva said of the event: "The community helps keep it alive by its interest and attendance. Many people spend a lot of time in planning and preparing for it, and many others help in different capacities. We'll be tired by the time everything is cleaned up for another year but you won't find any happier people." |
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