The I.D.E.S. Society, also known as the Society of the Divine Holy Spirit, was established in Half Moon Bay in 1871, with John Valladao as president. Its emblem is a red flag and crown, a symbol of the Holy Ghost Festival, locally called Chamarita.
The society’s hall stands at 735 Main Street. In 1898 Mr. and Mrs. Manuel P. Dutra donated the land where the society’s events are held, and the site is still the venue for the Holy Ghost celebration. The same grounds host the pumpkin weigh-off each October.
The festival reflects the Portuguese community that has been part of the Coastside since the days of Spanishtown.
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