2009 Festa - Message from
Queen Juliette

Queen Juliette's message

What comes to mind when you think of Festa? I know I think of a huge Portuguese community coming together to eat, to dance, to reminisce and to celebrate our culture. During this time, we pray especially for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I am so honored to represent this tradition that we have been clebrating now for 99 years here in San Diego.

Since I was 2 years old, I have participated in this Festa, either by being an angel my first year, in a group, a court, as a princess, a side maid and then the Little Queen in 1999. I am in the kitchen as much as I can be to help and see my aunts, friends and especially my Avó. I have worked in the kids' game booth ever since I can remember, and danced with the Portuguese American dancers. It is absolutely amazing how all these different generations come together during this one week to enjoy our Festa with its lively traditions.

The Holy Spirit to me is a powerful force. If you believe in him 100% he will grant you the most amazing things. I have to say that I have witnessed his goodness with my Avó and sister. They are both miracles. They were both faced with terrible things but my family and I were true to the Holy Spirit and
he has blessed us. My Avó has overcome her colon cancer and my sister is overcoming her drug addiction. The Holy Spirit is truly on our side.

I am so honored to be the 2009 Festa Queen and I want to thank my parents. I had a feeling they would do the Festa again but I thought they might have just been playing with me. When they put their name in I was shocked. It means
everything to me to be in this position and to represent my Portuguese culture 100%.

I look forward to seeing every single one of you on May 31, 2009!

Sincerely
Juliette Simoes - 2009 Festa Queen