FDES Portuguese Hall Monterey

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Monterey, CA
FDES Portuguese Hall Monterey

F.D.E.S. Monterey Portuguese Hall is a religious and social organization that hosts 5 to 6 events pe OUR HISTORY
The Festa do Divino Espirito Santo (F. D. E.

S.) : "The Festival of the Holy Spirit"

The vast majority of the Monterey area’s Portuguese community hail from the islands of the Azores, 930 miles off the coast of Portugal. Monterey was one of the first hubs for Portuguese pioneers, who came with dreams of a better life to work in the fishing and dairy/cattle industries. Later, Portuguese men and women found employment and started businesses i

n almost every imaginable profession. Our organization’s first festa was held at the Monterey Fairgrounds in 1943. In 1949, group members purchased eleven acres at the top of Casanova Street in Monterey for the purpose of building a Hall of their own. The main dance hall and chapel were built in 1952, soon followed by the bar, kitchen, small meeting hall, and finally the dining hall (the “Back Hall”) and its kitchen. Over the years the Monterey Portuguese Hall has housed a day care center, election precincts, fundraisers, religious ceremonies, and social gatherings for both the Portuguese community and other community groups. Each year several crab dinners are held for the larger community; through simple word of mouth these events have become immensely popular and tickets go quickly. Join us for our annual Festa, held each year on the second Sunday in July. Honoring the Holy Spirit, and with a nod to Queen Isabella of Portugal, who gave freely to the poor, our Festa is open to all at no charge. We begin in the late morning with an elaborate parade up Alvarado Street in Monterey, beginning at the Custom House Plaza. Other Portuguese organizations from towns throughout California send that year's elected queens, in their stunning gowns, to march in our parade and help support our Festa. The parade ends at San Carlos Church, where a Portuguese-language Mass is held. After Mass, the traditional Festa meal of sopas—tender meat slowly stewed with broth, cabbage, and bread—is served to all back at the Casanova Street Portuguese Hall. Stay to enjoy the auction, the bazaar, marching band performances, and music and dancing, all in a festive and family-friendly atmosphere.

06/22/2026

Please mark your calendars for our annual festa 📆
**July 11-12th** See details below ⬇️

06/19/2026

We are looking for children who would like to participate in this beautiful tradition! See details below. If interested, please email [email protected].

05/14/2026

Please join us for our annual Festa do Divino Espirito Santo in Monterey, CA 📆 July 11-12, 2026 🕊️👑🇵🇹
✨Schedule of Events ⬇️

04/08/2026

Looking for a Monterey Car week event venue for parking, hospitality, dinners, or a private event? View details here.

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03/09/2026

We hope to see you all at our annual Easter 🐇celebration! See details below ⬇️

02/13/2026

Please join us for the Queens’ and Members’ Dinner Dance Saturday, March 7th. See details below ⬇️

11/06/2025

Please join us for our annual Festa de Natal 🎄
See details below ⬇️

Address

950 Casanova Avenue
Monterey, CA
93940

Website

http://www.fdesmonterey.org/

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