[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6557]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE DOS PALOS DIVINO ESPIRITO SANTO

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th ``Festa do 
Divino Espirito Santo'' or the Festival of the Divine Holy Spirit in 
Dos Palos, California. This annual festa is a lively gathering that 
promotes family reconciliation and peace, through prayer and charity.
  The celebration began in the early 1920s when Azoreans began to 
emigrate from the Azore Islands to Dos Palos. In 1923 the Divino 
Espirito Santo, DES, Association was incorporated, and it stands as one 
of the city's oldest organizations. The Dos Palos DES has been 
successful over the past nine decades due to the donations and support 
from residents, business owners, dairymen, and ranchers. The 
organization is supported by individuals of all backgrounds and faiths. 
The money that DES raises goes to their annual celebrations, 
scholarships for young men and women, and parks for children. They also 
provide assistance to those who are in immediate need.
  Dos Palos DES is known for its sense of community and comradeship. 
Neighbors are like family in Dos Palos, and there is no question that 
there is a sense of loyalty between everyone. Each year, the Festa do 
Divino Espirito Santo serves as a place for citizens to come together, 
appreciate their town, and enjoy each other's company. The traditional 
meal of sopas is served to over 2,000 people.
  As someone with a strong Portuguese background and up-bringing, I 
truly admire all of the efforts made by Dos Palos DES. The individuals 
who have put together this wonderful celebration must be recognized for 
all of their hard work and dedication.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Festa 
do Divino Espirito Santo as residents from all over the Central Valley 
celebrate the 90th celebration. These wonderful traditions are passed 
down from generation to generation, and we can expect that Dos Palos 
DES will be hosting celebrations for many years to come.

                          ____________________