91st Holy Ghost Festa Returns to Newark This Weekend

An almost century old tradition returns to Newark this weekend. 

The 91st annual Holy Ghost Festa begins Friday, kicking off a weekend of festivities celebrating Portuguese culture, food and tradition.

According to the Tri-City Voice, the annual event celebrates the compassion of 14th-century Queen St. Isabel (Elizabeth), who fed and took care of the poor and sick.

To honor Queen St. Isabel, festa organizers select local girls to serve as honorary Holy Ghost “queens” each year. The queens march in a parade with their courts from various Catholic churches and social organizations throughout the Bay Area and state.

Hosted by the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America, Newark Holy Ghost, all of the weekend’s events will be held at the Newark Pavilion, located at 6430 Thornton Ave.

See the event schedule below:

Friday, July 26

• Noon: Sopas (Portuguese soup) will be served

Saturday, July 27*

• 11 a.m.: Opening mass
• 1 p.m.: Parade, followed by dancing, bazaar, food and more

Sunday, July 28*

• 10:45 a.m.: Holy Ghost Procession begins, starting at Newark Pavilion to St. Edward Church (5788 Thornton Ave.)
• 11:30 a.m.: Mass
• 2:30 p.m.: Procession returns to Newark Pavilion