The Dos Palos D.E.S. Association will celebrate its annual “Festa do Divino Espírito Santo” on May 24 and May 25.
The D.E.S. Association’s Secretary-Treasurer Bob Bertao outlined the schedule of events for the weekend’s festivities.
The festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, with the traditional Bodo de Leite, a parade featuring historical wooden carts pulled by oxen and accompanied by men singing traditional Azorean songs.
The blessing of animals and the distribution of Portuguese sweetbread and milk will follow. An auction of donated cattle will be held at the D.E.S. Hall, with ribs served for lunch afterward.
On Sunday, a procession will depart the D.E.S. Hall at 10 a.m., making its way to Sacred Heart Church for an 11 a.m. Mass and the coronation of this year’s queen. Father Antonio Silveira will preside over the Mass and sermon.
Following the service, the procession will return to the D.E.S. Hall for a traditional lunch of sopas, served free of charge. An auction of donated goods will be held immediately after lunch.
A Rosary in honor of the Divine Holy Spirit will be recited at 7 p.m. in the D.E.S. chapel. Dinner, featuring sopas, will be served at 7:30 p.m., and a dance will begin at 8:30 p.m. with the presentation of the queens and their courts. Music will be provided by Roger Diniz.
According to Bertao, the 2025 queen is Katelyn Oliveira, daughter of Luis and Adriana Oliveira. Her attendants are Sidney and Kasey Silveira, daughters of Robert and Regina Silveira.
The junior queen is Ava Lima, daughter of Anthony and Melanie Lima. Her attendants are Ivy Silveira, also a daughter of Robert and Regina Silveira, and Aubree Batchelor, daughter of Matt and Diana Batchelor.
The 2024 committee includes President Luis and Connie Lima, Vice President Bobby Powers, Secretary-Treasurer Bob Bertao, Marshall Tony Brum and directors Manuel August, Iria Brum, Joe Brum, Andrea Gonçalves, Doug Goodman, Frank Lemos, Anthony Lima, Larry Lima, Ricardo Lima, Jason Parreria, Scott Silveira, Kevin Soares and Adam Souza.
Bertao expressed appreciation, stating, “The D.E.S. Association extends an invitation to come and participate in the activities of the day, which are free to all. Without the financial help of the Dos Palos community and those of neighboring towns, the opportunity of holding the annual festa would not be possible.”
