Every August, the quiet coastal charm of Pismo Beach, California, is transformed by the vibrant sounds, scents, and colors of the St. Anthony Portuguese Celebration. Rooted in the centuries-old Azorean tradition honoring Santo António, the festa is both a spiritual and cultural homecoming for Portuguese-Americans from across the Central Coast and beyond. The weekend brims with music, a parade, the aroma of sopas, the swell of marching bands, and bonding between various generations. More than a celebration, it is a bridge between past and present — a living testament to the faith, resilience, and communal spirit that Portuguese immigrants, particularly from the Azores, brought with them to California’s shores, and a promise that these traditions will continue for future generations. Here is the program and the host of officers for this year’s celebration.