The Holy Ghost Portuguese Church Festival
Altar of the Holy Ghost Portuguese Church, Kula, Maui via Mark Tafoya Twitpic
Fifty days after Easter, the Portuguese community of Hawaii celebrates the Holy Ghost Feast, a tribute to Queen Elizabeth of Portugal, who was known as “The Holy Queen.” She was called this in part because of her devotion to the Holy Spirit, but also due to the sacrifices and prayers she gave her people even in the most remote areas of Portugal during her reign. The Kula Catholic Church in Maui celebrated the Holy Ghost Feast on Sunday, May 31st, and Chef Mark Tafoya was there to experience the day – as well as the food.
From the Kula Church website:
The Portuguese who came to Hawaii in the late 1800’s brought with them the devotion to the Holy Ghost and the traditions of St. Elizabeth. Some believe that the Holy Ghost Church’s octagonal shape is related to the shape of her crown.
Today the Holy Ghost Feast celebrates Pentecost, as well as these traditions of the early Portuguese immigrants to Hawaii. A free lau lau meal is available to all who come, carrying on Queen Elizabeth’s tradition of feeding her cherished subjects. Her crown is carried in procession following mass, accompanied by a local queen, and it is displayed prominently on the grounds in respect for St. Elizabeth. Many parishioners and visitors offer their personal sacrifices in the firms of donations to the church in the name of the Holy Ghost. In addition, many other activities, auctions, traditional foods and crafts, and entertainment take place throughout the two-day festival, which also provides income for church facilities and activities for the coming year.
Holy Ghost Portuguese Church, Kula, Maui, via Mark Tafoya Twitpic
The most traditional food eaten during the Holy Ghost Festival are malasadas, Portuguese-style donuts that are deep fried, rolled in sugar, and served warm. Chef Mark waited a long time for his celebration feast, and we hear it was worth the wait. You can see how to make malasadas here, or just make your way to Maui for the freshest malasadas in the world!
photo: newyork808 / Flickr / Creative Commons
Malasadas via wfairchild from Flickr Creative Commons
Chef Mark Tafoya waits for his malasadas, via Twitpic