Queen
Nicole Leanne Giglio's message
 I
am filled with both humility and great pride in accepting
the honor of representing Queen Saint Isabel
in the upcoming 2011 U.P.S.E.S Festa do Espírito
Santo. I am eager to dutifully rise to the calls of
this responsibility throughout the year in my action,
my works, and my faith.
I feel so fortunate to play such an integral role
in the oldest cultural tradition in San Diego. As a
girl,
whether I was handing out bread in traditional Portuguese
costume or holding the ‘M’ in the ‘WELCOME’ group,
I was eager, wide-eyed and proud to march in the Festa each year. Now a young
woman in my twenties, I will be one of the older queens in Festa history. Therefore,
throughout the year, I will strive to mirror not only Queen Saint Isabel’s
kindness and charity, but also the qualities she embodied as she matured: graceful
diplomacy, tact, and persistent dedication in educating herself and others.
The 2011 Festa will be held in memory of my Uncle
and Grandfather. My Uncle David Silveira fished in
Alaska after the decline of the commercial tuna fishing
industry here, and died at sea early Easter morning in 2008. Because many
families
of Portuguese descent have suffered the pain of losing a beloved member of
their family while out at sea, many people offered their comfort and aid.
Our culture, religion, and family were a blessing during
our grieving. We honor
the Holy Spirit for all of His gifts, which continually renews our faith
and strength.
My grandfather Elias Silveira, a retired fisherman
himself, joined David in heaven in July of this year,
after struggling with Parkinson’s disease.
The Holy Spirit was alive and well in him his entire life, as he was a kind
gentleman of great character, who always gave of himself. I pray his spirit
and memory comfort and inspire me during my reign as queen.
I recognize and thank all those who chair the U.S.P.E.S,
and to all those who collaborate, organize, work and
sacrifice for the Festa each year. Every
warm
sopas pot, every booth at an event, every phone call made and every penny
raised represent the time and effort of a single person. Year after year,
this tradition
is maintained by the combined efforts of many. Those that march may be
lavished with attention on Festa Sunday, but it is
each of you that is truly deserving
of a crown.
I am honored to stand as the 101st Festa do Espírito
Santo Queen, being preceded by 100 honorable, dutiful
and beautiful young ladies. I strive to
serve as commendably and gracefully as you all have in honoring the Holy
Spirit.
Humbly and with Warm Regard,
Nicole Leanne Giglio
2011 U.P.S.E.S. Festa do Espírito Santo Queen
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