Young queens, aias, families and community members took part in the 2026 Festa do Divino Espírito Santo in Newman from May 21 to May 24, a multi‑day celebration rooted in Portuguese faith and tradition. The weekend included the praying of the rosary, the Bodo de Leite procession, the presentation of queens and officers, a solemn Mass at St. Joachim’s Church, soup‑serving, auctions, dances and the annual parade. In the church, clergy placed the traditional silver crown on the Rainhas as part of the coronation ceremony, blessing the girls who will represent the Holy Spirit for the 2026–27 festa year. Outside, the queens and aias gathered with roses before the parade, dressed in ceremonial gowns that reflect generations of Portuguese cultural heritage. The Bodo de Leite featured decorated wagons pulled by oxen, continuing one of the festa’s oldest traditions. Parade floats carried the older queens through town as families lined the streets to watch. At the FDES Hall, members carried a flower‑adorned saint central to the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo traditions, accompanied by flags, banners and participants of all ages, underscoring the community’s commitment to preserving the customs passed down since the organization’s founding in 1914.

This year’s festa presidents were Michael and Sarah Barcellos and the vice presidents were Dan and Hillary Gomes.

The junior queen was Madison Lopes, the daughter of Joseph and Stacy Lopes. Her sidemaids were Victoria Eisner, daughter of Mike and Jennifer Meisner and Anessa Sequeira, the daughter of David Jr. and Lorisa Sequeira.

The queen was Marlayna Barcellos, the daughter of Michael and Sarah Barcellos. Her sidemaids were Emily Drumonde, the daughter of Danny and Theresa Drumonde; and Isabella Diaz, daughter of Javier and Rebecca Diaz.