WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - San Pedro Park, a little gem located in what was Bryte on N. Hobson Street, will be celebrating the 101-year anniversary of the San Pedro Festa on June 24th and 25th, 2023.

This event celebrates the Portuguese immigrants who lived in the area from the early 1900s through today.  As in their homeland, the community would get together once a year, first in individual’s backyard celebrations which grew and eventually organized into an Association that purchased land from the Silva family to create what is now San Pedro Park.  

The park and its Capela and buildings were built in the 1940's by that community with local craftsmen donating their time to create the buildings that are still standing today.

The original Association members come from the various islands of Portugal, mostly from the Madeiran Islands. Generations of these volunteers continue the traditions today, raising funds to keep San Pedro Park alive and well in the community.

As tradition, a queen is crowned for the event, families who have been members of San Pedro Association and have volunteered, nominate their daughters, and the queen's name is pulled at random. This year’s queen is Brooklyn Freitas. She is the daughter of Nino & Brittany Freitas and is the great great granddaughter of one of San Pedro Association’s founding fathers Albino Freitas, Sr.

Saturday, June 25, starting at 4pm at the park includes crowning of the queen and live music by Bay Area musician Ramana Vieira and Ensemble (Leslie Thorne, Vincent Tolliver, Patrick Fahey and Joe Sam). Ramana thrills with her ‘Fado’ songs (traditional folk songs) as well as current classics that make for fun dancing.

Food at the Festa will feature Portuguese classics like Carne Espeta (beef cooked on a spit) and Linguica, as well as a few new offerings prepared this year by our volunteer chef Madison Freitas.  Also available will be some new Portuguese/Maderian drinks.

Also traditionally, a Grand Marshall for the event is selected based on a person’s years of involvement and volunteerism. Barbara Carvalho-Lehmann was awarded this distinction and will be celebrated on Sunday, June 25^th in a procession from Mass (Mass starts at 9am) at Holy Cross Church to San Pedro Park beginning at 10am. Queens, flags, traditional costumes are part of the procession.

Come celebrate the traditions! Information can be found on Facebook and Instagram under San Pedro Association.