The morning call., 1893-05-23
OLD WORLD FETE.
Interesting Ceremonies at
Haifmoon Bay.
BROUGHT FROM THE AZORES.
Peculiar Significance of the CeIebra.
tiOn Known as the 'sCrowniBg
of the Holy Ghost"
Correspondence of THE MORNING CALL

HALFMooN BAY, May 22.-The Portu-
guese population at Halfmoon Bay turned
out in body Sunday to celebrate the
Descent of the Holy Ghost" In addition
to the usual celebration that all Catholic
observe on Pentecost day or Whitsunday.
the Portuguese have an additional r. ligious
observance that has its foundation on an
historical event.
LII ancient times tie Azores or Western
Islands, of which the Portuguese in this
vicinity are natives, were in the midst of
famine, and the people had sent TO other
countries for aid and succor. 1t was
lonI time coming. bat at last on the Satur-
day before Penteeost supplies arrived and
a feast was lad at which all partook. rich
and poor alike. The people accepted the
succor as an answer to their prayers and
an acknowled of their faith. As
this was the day of the descent of the Holy
Ghost they established ceremony of offer
ing crown in honor of the event. and the
celebration is now known as the 'crown-
ing of the Holy Ghost" Ever since on
each recurring Saturday before Pentecost
the crown Is offered, and on sunday
era feast and dance IS held. Every body
is welcome, the poor are particularly in
vted, even the criminals in prison being
sent an abundance OF the feast, which con-
slsts of barbecued meats, bread and sour
Wine.
During the feast dance called "Chama-
rita" is kept up continuously, and the cele-
braton ends on Monday, when the crown
Is placed in the custody of some one,
Where 1t remains Tor year, except that by
consent it may be in the temporary custody
VI any family that desires it. Placed on
an altar-ilke structure and surrounded By
candles and flowers, it is place OF devO-
ticn and prayer for the devOut.
The natives of the Azores have brought
this custom with them, and though Sligntly
varied as 10 details, 1t is the same ceremony
as is observed in their native home. At
HalfmOUn Bay the Portuguese population
Is large, they being engaged on the low
lands in raising grain and beans, and on
the hill lands in darying. Ever since the
colony has been of any size they have each
year made this celebration the event oil
the season.
Among the Americans of the neighbour
hood the celebration is better known as
the "Chamarita," from the name of the
dance. and people from all paris of Use
county attend and partake OF the joy of the
occasion.
On Saturday evening last the celebration
commenced by the people, headed by the
Redwood City brass band, forming torch
light procession. and escOrtlng seven little
III willie, OlC VI WHOm fdlllru Iit
crown. 10 the Catholic church, where
FaIhersBrady pronounced the benedction
and vcSpers were sung. The procession
was brilliantly Illuminated with fire orks.
After the serv ce at the church the process
sion returned with the crown to the house
of j. +. Gonna, where its regular place of
Keeping is. Sunday morning it was again
borne TO the church by the procession ana
there high mass was said. Again return
ing to the Gonna residence The feast was
begun aud the dancing continued. The
ceremonies continued all Sunday. and only
ended Monday morning, when the crown
was then al tie disposal of the people.
The attendance was large: every nation
atty nearly was represented. and all
enjoyed themselves. The event is looked
foI ward to by the citizens generally
as Of some importance, and the good-fel-
lowship manifest is productive of much
good. Everything proceeded quietly and
tremendously. aud it was in every way
happy occasion.