Welcome to U.P.S.E.S.
19,717 make up San Diego's
Portuguese community
We Support The Present
San Diego’s Portuguese community today is made up of immigrants from the Azores, Madeira, and mainland Portugal going back five generations in some cases. As Portuguese, we have a natural pride in our traditions and in the global accomplishments of our ancestors.
We strive to honor those who have come before us, preserve our traditions and customs, and instill in our youth the spirit of devotion to the Espirito Santo, so our community will go forward in faith and tradition, generation after generation.
Upcoming Events
Shop Our Local Portuguese Market
Located at the back of our Portuguese Hall, The Portuguese Market is your source for imported Portuguese food. Shop online 24/7.
FESTA 2025
As Portuguese, we have a natural pride in our traditions and in the global accomplishments of our ancestors. Support Festa 2025 & learn more!
Bingo Every Thursday Night
Come join us for Bingo at the U.P.S.E.S. Hall on Thursday nights. Bring your friends and family (must be 18 years of age to play) for a night of fun games! Doors open at 4pm. Learn More.
Explore Our Venue
Our historical venue combines rich Portuguese heritage with modern conveniences, offering a unique setting for any event. Call us for more information and book your next event today!
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Our Venue
Vision
Values
Celebrate, Gather, Enjoy. Repeat.
The UPSES Halls Venue is a cherished part of San Diego’s Portuguese community, offering versatile and elegant spaces for every occasion. From weddings to corporate functions, our venue reflects a rich history while providing modern amenities to bring your vision to life.
- Banquet Room: Capacity of 375, customizable for all events.
- Chapel: Historic, intimate setting for weddings and vow renewals.
- Bar: Nautical-themed, perfect for adult gatherings.
- Kitchen: Spacious, full-sized commercial kitchen to support any event.
Whether you’re hosting a family celebration or a large-scale event, we have the perfect setting to make your occasion extraordinary.
What Makes Us Unique:
Years of Serving the Community
Historic, Authentic Portuguese Architecture
volunteers
Purpose, Values & Goals
- Encourage religious and civic activities.
- Promote, further and support the welfare of the community.
- Foster sociability and develop a united spirit among the people of the community.
Fuelling Our Campaigns
We help donors make safe and easy US tax-deductible donations to vetted, locally-driven organizations around San Diego. California incorporates federal law (IRC Sec. 170), as of California’s current federal conformity date , relating to the charitable contribution deduction. ( Sec. 17201, Rev. & Tax. Code ; Sec. 17275.5, Rev. & Tax. Code ) Under IRC Sec. 170, as incorporated, contributions to qualified nonprofit charitable organizations, governmental entities, and conservation projects are deductible from adjusted gross income, subject to specified limitations, including the limitation on the charitable mileage deduction amount.
Our Traditions Will Live On
Preserving our culture
It is not just about holding onto the past; it’s about keeping alive the values, traditions, and stories that make us who we are as Portuguese-Americans. From the aromas of a home-cooked bacalhau, to the rhythms of the Fado, to the joy of celebrating the Feast of the Holy Spirit, our heritage is woven into our everyday lives. We pass down our language, our faith, and our respect for hard work, family, and community. As we continue to embrace life in America, we carry Portugal with us, making sure that future generations will always know where they came from. Let’s keep our culture thriving—because it's what connects us, no matter where we are.
Sharing and instilling in our children
Passing down Portuguese values and traditions to our children is a gift that keeps our heritage alive. By sharing our language, faith, and the importance of family, we help them understand where they come from and who they are. Whether it’s teaching them to cook traditional dishes, celebrating festivals, or simply telling stories of our ancestors, we ensure that our roots remain strong. Instilling these values—like respect, hard work, and community—shapes their future, connecting them to a rich history and culture that will always be part of their identity. Let's continue to share our legacy with pride.
The importance of community
Community is at the heart of who we are. It’s where we find support, strength, and a sense of belonging. For Portuguese families, coming together—whether through celebrations, shared meals, or simply lending a helping hand—reinforces the values that define us. Community keeps our traditions alive, ensures that no one stands alone, and reminds us that together, we are stronger. By staying connected, we pass down not just stories, but a sense of unity and pride in who we are. Community is where our roots grow deeper, and our future remains bright.
Staying involved
Staying involved is how we keep our culture and values alive. It’s more than just attending events—it’s about being an active part of something bigger than ourselves. For Portuguese families, involvement means passing down traditions, sharing stories, and showing up for one another. Whether it’s through community gatherings, volunteering, or supporting local festivals, our participation strengthens our bonds and preserves our heritage. By staying involved, we honor the past and invest in the future, ensuring that our children grow up connected to the same sense of pride and belonging that has always defined us.
What People Say About Our Community
We value your feedback!
Please leave us a review by following the links below.
“Great venue. Went for luncheon a celebration of life. Perfect location near shelter island in San Diego.”
Ann Peterson
“I am a regular here for events. Two event spaces, a large and a small. The large has a stage, chandeliers, and wall lighting all dimmable to make fit any mood and can be set up for simplicity or extravagance!”
Tony Olson
“Attended a wedding reception, good parking on site, large reception room, very clean, large stage and ample dance floor. It is the kind of room you could make your own with decorations that suit your event. Lots or none. Fun or fancy, up to you. Enjoy!”
Jane Bryan
“This is a great venue for a smallish meeting, party or social event. I've attended several meetings there. It's a comfortable hall with good seating, A/V equipment, a stage and catering facilities. They also do lots of community events and dinners related to the Portuguese community. Next door is the newly restored tiny Portuguese chapel. The staff are friendly and accommodating, too. Definitely recommend for a meeting or social gathering!.”