So I skipped my regular church service today and attended the famed Holy Ghost Festival. I just had to know what this little celebration in Hawkinsville was all about.
The event starts with a charming little parade - and I mean little! The flag bearers are followed by a band, followed by kids (any and all are welcome) carrying flags, followed by the Knights of Columbus and finally the Queen (Amy Gabriel) and her entourage which includes many previous years’ queens.
The parade concludes at the front door of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. After a brief ceremony by the Knights of Columbus the Queen enters the church and we all shuffle in behind.
The mass was really lovely. The music was fantastic! I guess it’s not really proper etiquette to bounce to the music during a catholic mass, but I just couldn’t help myself. I’ll ask for forgiveness later:)
The priest gave a great sermon about helping the poor and how merciful our God is to watch over us all whether we are financially poor or just going through a difficult time. He explained that this day is celebrated to honor Queen Isabel of Portugal. She is known for hiding rolls in her apron to feed the poor. One day her husband asked her what she had in her apron. Knowing that her husband would be angry, she answered, "roses", and when she opened her apron all that was there were roses. Neat story!
At the end of the mass the priest presents the Queen with a fantastic crown! The poor girl could barely keep that thing on her head. It must have been heavy!
When the people exit the church they are offered a delicious sweet roll! Yummy!!! Of course the highlight of the day for most is the BBQ and the beer ! How funny is that?!
What a charming ceremonial festival!! The Holy Ghost Festival is celebrated in very few communities in the United States and even fewer in Portugal-go figure?! We are really blessed to have people in our community who are dedicated to making this happen each year.
