GUSTINE — Gustine’s Our Lady of Miracles Celebration, one of California’s longest-running tributes to Portuguese-American faith and heritage, returns Sept. 5–15 with eleven days of prayer, pageantry and community pride.
Now in its 89th year, the Catholic celebration draws thousands to the small Central Valley town for a blend of solemn worship and spirited festivities. The event begins with a novena—nine days of rosaries and masses held primarily at the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles—before shifting into cultural performances, parades and traditional food.
Highlights include a fado concert Sept. 11 at the GPS Hall, a live band in the park Sept. 12, and the beloved Bodo de Leite parade Sept. 13, featuring folkloric dancers, schoolchildren distributing sweet bread and milk, and cows pulling decorated milk carts through downtown.
Sunday, Sept. 14, marks the grand day of the festa, with mass, parades and the ceremonial exchange of crowns between outgoing and incoming queens. The celebration concludes Sept. 15 with bloodless bullfights, a symbolic nod to Portuguese tradition.
This year’s festa presidents, Kevin and Shealyn Soares, say the honor fulfills a personal vow rooted in faith and family. Years ago, Shealyn promised to serve Our Lady if their daughter Jessa, who has special needs, could attend first grade in a general education classroom. That promise became reality—and now, so has their leadership.
“Being able to come back and be the president of the festa is pretty meaningful and special,” Kevin said.
Among the youth honored this year is junior queen Jessa Soares, whose journey inspired her parents’ promise and leadership. Her presence in the royal court is a deeply personal milestone for the family and a symbol of inclusion and devotion.
Senior queen Kaliah Soares, 16, a junior at Dos Palos High School, says the experience has deepened her connection to her heritage and faith.
“The Festa is more than a religious event—it’s a moment of togetherness,” she said. “I feel connected to my family, my ancestors, and my community. It reminds me that I’m part of something bigger than myself.”
Kaliah says she was initially nervous about the responsibility, but that feeling quickly turned into pride. “Not in myself, but in what I was a part of—this amazing community and knowing I will be holding the crown and walking in the procession. I will not be just representing myself. I will be honoring Our Lady, my heritage, and everyone who came before me.”
Joining the queens are senior side maids Cheyanne Verissimo and Kylee Lopes, and junior side maids Addison Grove and Emma Lopes. Each brings a personal story of faith and gratitude to the celebration.
Despite the logistical challenges, the Soares family says the community’s generosity has been overwhelming. “We’ve actually seen people cry as they gave us donations,” Kevin said. “That’s very, very rewarding.”
The couple, who previously led the Stevenson festa, are focused on youth engagement, enlisting the Gustine football team and FFA to assist with events. They’ve also introduced a novena dedicated to children who have passed away—an addition not previously seen in Gustine’s celebration, Kevin said.
