"Went here for a wedding. Cool place and a lot of history in this building. They have a lot of old school pictures of the Portuguese community and there is a chapel next store. They have a full kitchen and many events have been held there over the years."
Join Us for Festa 2026: A Celebration of Faith, Culture, and Community
Festa 2026
116th Annual U.P.S.E.S. Festa
Hosted by Pamela Rodrigues & Family
Location: U.P.S.E.S. Portuguese Hall, 2818 Avenida de Portugal, San Diego, CA 92106
May 22–24, 2026 | Celebrating 116 Years of Portuguese Faith, Culture, and Community
Festa do Espírito Santo 2026 returns to Point Loma for a meaningful weekend rooted in devotion, heritage, and community. Each year, families, friends, and visitors come together at U.P.S.E.S. Portuguese Hall to honor the Holy Spirit and celebrate the traditions that have united generations for more than a century.
Whether you are a longtime member of the Portuguese community or attending for the first time, Festa is a chance to experience faith, fellowship, and the enduring spirit of a beloved San Diego tradition.
Honoring Our 2026 Royalty
Queen
Aubrey Lincoln Flynn
King
Jackson Leo Emerson
We are proud to announce the 116th Portuguese Festa King and Queen for the 2026 Festa do Espírito Santo. Throughout the year’s celebrations, they will represent the U.P.S.E.S. Portuguese Hall and community with grace, pride, and devotion, carrying forward the traditions, faith, and unity that make this event so special.
Festa 2026 Resources
Stay tuned for more Festa 2026 updates and ways to participate.
Festival of the Holy Spirit
In 1920, Mr. M.O. Medina saw the need for a common place where the community could gather to celebrate the Festa do Espírito Santo, or Festival of the Holy Spirit. He developed a committee to begin raising the funds needed to build a Capela, or chapel, and a community hall, traveling throughout California to seek donations during a time when roads were very difficult to navigate.
To complete construction of the Capela, boat owners would leave a crewmember at home, paying him 25 cents a ton for his efforts. In 1922, the Portuguese community of San Diego proudly inaugurated the União Portuguesa Açoreana Sociedade do Espírito Santo, the U.P.A.S.E.S. Chapel and Hall. The Chapel remains one of only two original Portuguese chapels in California.
As more Portuguese families immigrated to San Diego from the Azores, Madeira, and mainland Portugal, the need for a larger hall became clear. The community came together once again, pooling resources and securing financing. The original hall from 1922 was moved, and a new hall was built. In 1948, the current União Portuguesa Sociedade do Espírito Santo, or U.P.S.E.S. Inc. Hall, opened its doors. Mr. M.O. Medina served as the first President and remained in that role for 51 years.
Dress Code
UPSES Hall and Bar: No t-shirts, torn jeans, flip flops, or caps allowed.
Queen’s Ball
Men: Jacket and tie preferred.
Women: Formal gown, cocktail dress, or evening pantsuit.
The Crown “Coroa”
The Crown carries a double significance. First, it represents the supreme dominion of the Holy Spirit. Second, it reminds us of the royalty of Queen Saint Isabel.
The scepter is accented by a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit whose love was so evident in the Queen’s life. The platter serves as the stand for the crown and scepter and represents the people.
2026 Weekly Queen Bulletin
Week 1
More Details Coming Soon.
Week 2
Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Rocco Giaquinto and Family
Cordially invite you to join their family in the celebration of Mass
in honor and devotion to the Holy Spirit and Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal.
- Queen: Kennedy Rose da Luz
- Lady: Bree Lynn Cerney
- Lady: Illeana Nicole Cruz
Week 3
Hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Tallarida
Invite you to join their family in celebration of Mass
in honor and devotion to the Holy Spirit and Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal,
and in loving memory of the 1986 Festa Presidents,
Daniel and Augustina “Babe” Noe.
- Queen: Ariana Grace Cochran
- Queen: Capri Michaela Tallarida
- King: Jackson Michael Cochran
Week 4
Hosted by Teri Simas and Family
Invite you to join their family in the celebration of Mass
in honor and devotion to the Holy Spirit and Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal.
- Queen: Melody De Accunção Quintana
- King: Ethan Edward Quintana
Will be crowned.
Week 5
Hosted by Steven & Anne Balelo
Invite you to join their family in celebration of Mass
in devotion to the Holy Spirit and Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal.
- Queen: Olivia Anne Balelo
- Lady: Luz Isabella Virissimo
- Lady: Copper Marie Ferreira
- Prince: Richard Easton Balelo
- Princess: Lasalette Marie Balelo
Specials:
Andrew Richard Balelo, Jr.
John William Balelo
Aurora Brooke Balelo
Week 6
Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Edward A. Correia
Invite you to join their family in the celebration of Mass
in devotion to the Holy Spirit and Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal.
- Queen: Sage Isabela Correia
- Princess: Penelope Jean Correia
- King: Pietro Antonio LoCoco
- Prince: Francesco Giuseppe LoCoco
Contact United Portuguese S.E.S. Inc.
We’re here to help. Whether it’s about Festa, Bingo, the Market, or renting the Hall, send us a message below. Contact us today.
Contact United Portuguese S.E.S. Inc.
We’re here to help. Whether it’s about Festa, Bingo, the Market, or renting the Hall, send us a message below. Contact us today!
testimonials
What People Say About Our Community
We value your feedback!
Please leave us a review by following the links below.
A wonderful place. Great people and good food. A great place to go to play bingo and meet new people.
Brittany D'Arcangelo Taramasco
Gabriel Flores
"Our school held a Christmas event here, and I was delighted by the space and atmosphere."
David Carta
VOLUNTEER"Great venue. Went for a luncheon, a celebration of life. Perfect location near shelter island in San Diego."
