MONTEREY – From Saturday, 11 July through Sunday, 12 July 2026, the Portuguese community of Monterey will celebrate the annual Festa do Divino Espírito Santo (Feast of the Divine Holy Spirit) at the FDES Portuguese Hall, 950 Casanova Avenue.
The festivities will begin on Saturday, 11 July, with the Presentation of the Queens and Maids at 9pm, preceded by a folkloric dance performance at 7pm and live music by Chico Avila from 8pm until midnight. Traditional Portuguese food will be available for purchase throughout the evening.
On Sunday, 12 July, participants will gather for a procession beginning at 9:30am from the vicinity of Custom House Plaza to San Carlos Cathedral, 500 Church Street, where Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am. Following the liturgy, the celebration will continue at the FDES Portuguese Hall with traditional Portuguese soups, tasca, pastries, an auction, and live music and dancing.
A cherished tradition throughout Portugal and Portuguese communities around the world, the Feast of the Divine Holy Spirit celebrates devotion to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity while fostering charity, fellowship, and service to the community. This year’s celebration honors Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal, whose life of faith and compassion is closely associated with the origins of the devotion.
Preparatory prayers will also be held from Sunday, 5 July, through Friday, 10 July, with the Rosary prayed each evening at 7pm in the FDES Chapel (7:30pm on 10 July in the hall).
For more information, email or call 831-372-1913.
