Gustine’s Our Lady of Miracles Celebration has been more than a festive gathering — it’s a living thread of heritage, pride, and community spirit. Each year, as parades roll through town and music fills the air, another story quietly unfolds: the economic boost the Festa brings to local businesses.

During Festa weekend, Gustine transforms into a hub of activity, drawing visitors from across California and beyond, many of whom share ties to Portuguese heritage. The influx of guests turns the celebration into one of the most vital weekends of the year for the town’s economy, with restaurants, shops, salons, and other establishments experiencing a surge in business.

For Joe Garcia, co-owner of Whichcraft Taproom, the event is a chance to connect with new patrons. “During the time of the Festa it allows us to be discovered by new customers that otherwise wouldn’t have known about us until they attended the celebration,” Garcia shared. “Our local community has been great in helping us welcome new customers and bringing them in for a visit.”

That sense of discovery and connection resonates across town. At Wolfsen’s Meat & Sausage, owner Andrew Quintal reflected on the tradition’s enduring value. “I wish it continued growth and success,” Quintal said. “The community enjoys it and it gets people together.”

For Jason Buktenics, owner of Pasta209, the meaning behind the celebration took on new depth this year. “I just learned this morning about the origin story of the Festa, and it really struck me that it was about a queen wanting to feed and care for the less fortunate,” he said. “It really put into perspective how much we all can do as a community to care for one another. These events bring a lot of people into the city and provide a great opportunity for local businesses, but more importantly, I think it provides a reminder of the spirit of this event — to love and seek opportunities to care for one another.”

That spirit is echoed by leaders in Gustine’s business community. Judi Gandy, Director of the Gustine Chamber of Commerce, described the Festa as one of the most exciting times of year for local shops and services. “From restaurants to beauty shops, just about every business in town feels the benefits of the Festa,” Gandy explained. “Our hair salons and nail shops are booked up, the flower shop is filled with customers, and our restaurants are packed with both familiar and new faces. It’s truly a ripple effect — even businesses that aren’t directly involved in the Festa itself still feel the economic boost from the crowds it brings in. It’s wonderful to see so many visitors enjoying Gustine and supporting our shops, and it’s also a reminder of how important this celebration is for putting our city on the map.”

Jose Flores, Director of the Gustine Downtown Business Association, emphasized how the Festa showcases the town’s welcoming nature. “The Festa is a beautiful tradition, and what makes it special is how it draws people from all over,” Flores said. “Every year, we see families traveling in from across California and even from Portugal to celebrate here in our small town. That brings a wave of excitement and energy to our Main Street. For our businesses, it’s a chance to greet new customers, share what makes Gustine unique, and hopefully keep them coming back throughout the year. It’s one weekend that shows the best of who we are — proud of our traditions, proud of our businesses, and proud of our community.”

Residents, too, are quick to share what the Festa means to them. Maria Lopez, a Gustine local, said, “The Festa is my favorite time of year. It’s not just about the traditions — it’s seeing Main Street filled with people supporting our shops and restaurants. That energy is special.”

Newman resident William Fret added, “This is the weekend we count on. The town is packed, and I always meet people who end up coming back later in the year.”

Isabella Ramos, also from Newman, noted the sense of connection the event fosters. “I love how the Festa brings people together. It’s nice to see new faces and it makes Gustine feel like a big city for a few days.”

While the celebration is widely embraced, some locals see room for improvement. Henry Martinez of Gustine said, “I enjoy the Festa, but parking is always tough. I hope the city looks at more spaces or shuttles so everyone can enjoy it without the hassle.”

Vanessa Perez, another Gustine resident, shared a wish for broader appeal. “It’s great for the adults, but I wish there was more entertainment for kids and teens. That would really help the next generation get excited to keep coming.”

As Gustine looks ahead, the Festa remains a powerful symbol of tradition and progress. With businesses thriving and residents voicing hopes for continued growth, the celebration continues to reflect the heart of the community.

As Quintal put it simply, “The Festa brings people together.”