133rd Portuguese Festa Celebrates Heritage in California Delta This Sunday

The Portuguese Freeport/Clarksburg Festa will return for its 133rd year this Sunday in the California Delta. This long-standing event has brought together Portuguese immigrants and their families since 1893. Hundreds are set to gather for a day of tradition, celebration, and community spirit. The Festa traces its roots back to 14th-century Portugal, carrying deep cultural meaning for the local Portuguese community. For over a century, it has served as a meeting place for families, including those of Jim Souza, who has attended for 67 years. Souza, now the property manager of the historic community hall hosting the event, has seen generations of his family take part in the festivities.

This year’s celebrations begin with a queen’s fundraising dinner on Saturday. The main event on Sunday runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a procession to St. Joseph’s Church. There, Colette Litwin, granddaughter of past queen Maria Fagundes, will be crowned the Freeport/Clarksburg Festa senior queen. Fagundes herself was crowned queen shortly after moving to California from Portugal. Around 700 guests are expected to attend, continuing a tradition that has united the Portuguese community for decades.

The Festa remains a key event for Portuguese families in the delta, honouring heritage and fostering connections. With its mix of ceremonies, crowning rituals, and community gatherings, the 133rd edition will once again bring people together. The festivities will close with a shared celebration of culture and history.