The recently created Portuguese Heritage Association will be putting forth a heritage festival at Pismo Beach, a favorite spot for Californians, particularly from the Joaquim Valley, with deep roots in the islands of the Azores. We spoke to Jeannet Vierra about this event. Please look at the interview and the conversation as part of the 47th annual Luso-American Education Foundation Conference hosted by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute at Fresno State.

How did the idea for a Heritage event in Pismo Beach occur?

This idea is really the vision of Thomas DaRosa. For the last few years, he has talked about ways we could promote our heritage and connect with our younger generations. We finally decided that we would jump in and do it. As we both live here in the area, Pismo Beach was the perfect place to have it. 

What is the event’s primary purpose, and what do you hope to accomplish with it?

This event is to showcase our culture to everyone. The food, music, and traditional products. Our mission with the Portuguese Heritage Association is to promote, preserve, and share our California Portuguese heritage, traditions, and culture.  With this being our first event, we want to share a little glimpse into our culture with everyone. We hope to create engaging events throughout the year that will connect with people – young and old, Portuguese and non-Portuguese.   

Pismo Beach is widely known as a favorite place for the Portuguese-American community to get away for a few days, especially from the Valley. Will this event be directed at folks visiting the coastal town? 

Most definitely. Pismo Beach has been a center for Portuguese-Americans all over California, especially the Central Valley. This is directed at Portuguese-Americans throughout California. 

Events of this nature are becoming more popular with other ethnic groups, but not many within the Portuguese-American community.  Do you think the community will support it?

Yes, we do. We have the full support of the City of Pismo Beach, which has been a fantastic partner. Many Portuguese-Americans reside in our area and are very excited about the event. One thing with our community: we are proud to be Portuguese and so excited to share that with others in the community. 

What are the significant differences between this event and a FESTA?  

While the festas are deep in tradition and bring many facets from our homeland here, our events will not have the ties to the queen or church that festas have. We are looking to create a type of street festival where everyone can come together to celebrate. I think of the White Party that is held in Ponta Delgada every year, where there is music, celebration, and the coming together of the community. 

Is there a reason why you chose the month of October?

We really wanted to do something outside of the typical busy tourism months. This allows our guests to have better access to accommodations should they want to stay the weekend and enjoy beautiful Pismo Beach. We also wanted to do something this year. In the future, we hope to have multiple events each year. We have not determined what months those will be as yet. 

How important is it to you that the event is also attended by those who aren’t of Portuguese ancestry, such as Greek festivals, for example, are attended by all who compose the multicultural society where they are held? 

I feel it is essential. We want to share our culture with everyone. I think it is also very impactful for those with some Portuguese heritage but never really connected with the Portuguese community. 

Any final thoughts that you would like to share? 

As with many cultures we find in our beautiful state, Portuguese-Americans in California have a vibrant and rich history. Many of our younger generations may not connect with that. We hope to engage younger generations to preserve our history and traditions for years to come. 

Please remember that PBBI-Fresno State is having our annual Crowdfunding. We would love to reach 200 donors. Please consider giving a donation of at least 25 dollars to our cause. Here is the link for more information and to donate securely

 bit.ly/46fdNIo

Please take a listen to the conversation with Ms. Jeanette Vierra as part of the 47th conference on education and culture of the LAuso-American Education Foundation hosted for the 4th year in a row by PBBI-Fresno State.