13Sep2026
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Festa King & Queen

A Message from the 2027 Festa Queen

 

It is with immense gratitude and pride that I write this letter as the 2027 Queen of the 117th United Portuguese S.E.S. Festa. Being crowned Queen is truly a dream come true and an honor I will cherish forever.

Growing up, the Festa was always one of the highlights of my childhood. Many of my favorite memories were made at the Hall, spending time with my cousins, playing games, and enjoying the incredible food and drinks that are such a special part of our culture. I still look forward to the familiar tastes of linguiça, malasadas, and Sumol, each one bringing back memories of family, tradition, and community.

As a young girl, I was always in awe of the Festa Queens. I admired their grace, leadership, and dedication to preserving our Portuguese heritage. I remember watching them during the celebrations and imagining what it would feel like to stand in their place one day. To now have the privilege of serving as Queen is something I will never take for granted, and I am deeply honored to have been chosen.

One tradition that has always resonated with me is the story of Queen Saint Isabel. My mother often shared her story with me as I was growing up, and her example of kindness, compassion, and faith has stayed with me throughout my life. The values she embodied continue to inspire me and remind me of the deeper meaning behind our Festa traditions.

This year is especially meaningful because my parents are serving as the Presidents, and I will carry the crown in honor of my Avós, whose strength, faith, and love for our traditions continue to guide our family. Their devotion is a reminder of why this celebration has endured for generations, and it is a privilege to honor them in this way.

I am profoundly grateful for my Portuguese heritage and for the community that has shaped me. The Portuguese Hall has given me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a strong sense of belonging. I am proud to be part of a community that values faith, family, culture, and service.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. I am honored to represent our community as Queen and look forward to celebrating this year’s Festa with all of you.

With gratitude,

Isabella Lynn Corona

A Message from the 2027 Festa King

I am deeply honored and humbled to have been chosen as the 117th Portuguese King of the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo in 2027. This tradition has been sustained for generations through the faith, devotion, and pride of the Portuguese community in San Diego, and it is a privilege to serve in this role.

Some of my earliest memories are of participating in the parade as a young boy and later helping serve food under the tent. The energy, pride, and sense of community have always been impossible to miss. Of course, the food was always a highlight as well. The malasadas—always worth the long line—the countless linguiça sandwiches, and my personal favorite, the bifana sandwiches, never failed to keep me coming back for more.

One of my favorite Festa memories came in 2025, when Portugal played Spain in the UEFA Nations League Final. It felt like the entire Festa was following the match together. When Portugal won in penalties, the collective sigh of relief and cheers that erupted afterward was unforgettable. Moments like that remind me just how close-knit our community truly is. The unity shared among everyone shows that Festa is more than a celebration, it is a family brought together by faith, culture, and tradition.

Being chosen as King came as a complete surprise, but one that I accepted with great gratitude. I would like to sincerely thank my Titi Jenny & Tito Tommy for selecting me, and my family for their love and support throughout my life. I know they will stand beside me throughout this journey, just as they always have.

This Festa is especially meaningful because it is dedicated to the memory of my Avô, Octaviano Gonçalves. To me, he embodied the spirit of a true “Madeirense”. He was a hardworking tuna fisherman who tended his vineyard and proudly made his own wine. He was respected throughout our community for his humility, generosity, and sense of humor.

His home was always open. Whether you were family, a friend, or a stranger, you were welcomed with a smile and the familiar question, “Would you like some poncha?” Some of my favorite memories are simply sitting beside him and watching soccer. Those moments are ones I will cherish forever.

Although I miss him every day, I see his legacy living on through our family, our traditions, and our community. It is an incredible honor to serve as King during a Festa dedicated to his memory, and I hope to honor him by living the values he exemplified.

For 116 years, the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo has brought our community together in faith, culture, and fellowship. As we prepare for the 117th Festa, I look forward to celebrating with all of you and continuing this cherished tradition for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Giovanni Octaviano Sanfilippo

Festa Resources

Save the Date: May 14-16, 2027
Celebrating Faith, Culture, and Community

More Festa details, events, and participation opportunities coming soon.