 On The Line -- Issue 686 -- May 9, 2008  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 686 -- May 9, 2008 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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Although it fell earlier this year than it has in the past, the annual Portuguese Festival -- held on the weekend of May 10-11, was every bit as welcome as it had been in the past. In addition to attracting many local residents of Portuguese descent, it also welcomed many who are not.
It began with the annual dance and coronation at SDES Hall, its traditional site. During the dance, Samantha Lierly was crowned as queen. He attendants -- called side maids -- are Sydney and Ashlie Madruga. The dance was well attended as usual and spirits ran high, especially for the royal court. No matter what else life holds for them they will always look back with warmth upon that time when they were the center of admiration. On the next morning, Pentecost Sunday, the three young women won applause as they proceeded regally in the parade which featured entries from many Central Coast communities. The route took them from the Hall to San Benito Street, then back along Fifth to its end at Sacred Heart Church where Father Rudy Dias officiated at a Mass for the paraders. After the mass many people gathered on the steps leading to the SDES Hall entrance to see the president of the Society release a white dove from a cage. The dove represents the Holy Spirit and is symbolic of purity. Anthony Silva is president of the SDES this year, which marks the fourth time he has held the office. He is usually dressed casually as he undertakes many duties but this year he wore a suit and tie. He seemed to be in many places at once to ascertain that everything was going all right. The Silvas are among many prominent families of Portuguese descent who put much planning, skill and work into every festival to give it the appearance of something that looks easy because it goes so smoothly. The festival, one of the oldest continuing observances on San Benito County history, is based on a beautiful legend. The story is that Queen Isobel of Portugal was a compassionate lady and wanted to help her subjects, especially the neediest. To that end, the story continues, she traveled throughout her realm to visit towns and villages for a first-hand look at their need. She distributed money based on need, money that came from her own treasure. One such village, upon learning that the queen was coming, pooled its pitiful resources but could raise only enough money to buy a small portion of beef and some bread. The townspeople decided to give the beef to Isobel and to dip the bread into its broth for themselves. So generous was their gift, spending everything they had on the meal, the story continues that the single portion of beef was magically transformed into enough to feed a multitude and ample bread for everyone to sop in the broth, hence the traditional "sopas." Wherever the sons and daughters of Portugal have settled, they have kept alive this story of piety and generosity; and in generous spirit, they make enough to feed anyone who cares to join them. In recent years the cooks have added cabbage to the meal upon the request of some participants who felt that the meal should include a vegetable. It is a very basic meal but it is wonderfully delicious and many of the hundreds of diners have second, and some, even third helpings. Even as the parade was still en route to the church, the first feeding was held in the basement dining room of the hall. The cooking crew had prepared hundreds of pounds of beef along with scores of loaves of bread and many, many heads of cabbage, and rushed all the components to the tables where the diners awaited eagerly. Joe Sarmenta of Newark, California served as head cook this year along with veterans of previous festivals, and Mike Machado, Kirk Tognazzini, Albert Gomes, Shorty Silva and others sped the trays and platters of food to the tables. Elvira Cardoza smiled over from her wheelchair and George Gilroy waved and displayed his trademark smile. They are pleasant people and so make a pleasant couple that everyone is glad to see. Steve and Amelia Hatcher proved to be cordial tablemates. With them were her sister and nephew, Mary Ann Souza and Danny Souza. The latter was proud of having helped carry a standard in the parade. During conversation the Hatchers mentioned that their sons, Dave and Ryan, were playing in the San Benito Stage Company production of "Footloose," which was closing that evening. . (Old joke: "I wanted to drive a Wells Fargo coach but Mother didn't want any of her children to go on the stage.") At the bar, Vince Miguel, Al Williams and Gil Perreira met the rush for refreshments as they have for many years and not only at SDES Hall. Their expertise has seen them officiate at many Exchange Club functions. Meanwhile, out in the patio many people were visiting or visiting the refreshments booth where Kevin, Brian, Joe and Manuel Silva were taking turns in staffing. Also on duty there were Carlos Alvernaz, Carlos Oliveiera and Manuel Freitas. Three of the hardest-working ladies in the festival were busy at many tasks. And Mary Hubbell, Lillian Pereira and Cindy Silva all did it with a smile. What's more, there smiles are sincere. Ron Rodrigues was there, as usual, and so were Joe Postigo and Linda Fine. Bob Parsons called out a greeting to an old friend and a small girl ran over to Parsons. "My great-grandchild," he explains. "I've got eight." Anthony Freitas, a candidate for the supervisiorial board seat held by Anthony Botelho, grins when asked how his campaign is going. "Great," he said. "Last night the county Sheriff's Deputy Association endorsed me." Wife Adela Freitas smiles proudly. The auction begins in the patio shortly after the second feeding and for several hours many donated items are the object of spirited bidding and many jokes. After activities end, there s still much cleaning up to do and volunteers fall to with a will. "It went pretty will," Anthony Silva concedes as the last of the volunteers are leaving for home. "The main thing is that many people came, enjoyed the meal and hospitality and had a good time. How can you improve on that?" |
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