“PORTUGUESE TO HOLD ANNUAL FESTIVAL at POINT LOMA SUNDAY – To Commemorate Feast of the Holy Ghost with Series of Ceremonies – There will be feasting and revelry at Point Loma next Sunday by the local Portuguese element, in commemoration of an olde country observance which they call the Feast of the Holy Ghost. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. the Portuguese people will form in Procession at the Point Loma hall (in those days, I *presume* on the property of Mr. MANUEL F. CABRAL Sr., [then on San Antonio Ave.] in La Playa and march to the Point Loma Catholic Church [i.e. St. Agnes Church], since I don’t know if the Cabrillo Pavilion in Roseville had been built yet? – ed.), where three Priests will receive them and conduct services. At the close of the religious celebration, the congregation will return to the banquet hall and will then begin the famous celebration of the ‘leílão’ (i.e. “auction” – ed.) festival, supposedly known throughout every Portuguese settlement in Europe.
A part of the festival consists of auctioning articles that are contributed by members of the Portuguese Catholic society known as the I.D.E.S. (Irmandade do Divino Espírito Santo – aka. the Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Spirit – ed.). Music will be furnished by a band and there will be dancing until late at night. The Portuguese dances are called the ‘Chamarita’ (aka ‘Chamarrita) and somewhat resemble the familiar quadrille.”
(*Source: San Diego UNION & Daily Bee newspaper – Wednesday, May 22, 1912 – Pg. 10)
*Dance Side Note: Whether spelled “Chamarita” or “Chamarrita”, this dance may be fun to explore. It is unknown (but interesting to speculate) how many families owe their very existence to encounters at Chamarritas, danced at the various Portuguese celebrations over the centuries (and where romance often flourished!). Just as in square dancing, the chamarrita has a “caller” who calls out the “Mandos” (aka. instructions) which guide the dancers. Note: The clip in which the gentleman is making the calls could be confusing to some beginners because he says things that are not actual “Mandos“, but are instead placeholders or embellishments placed in between the “Mandos.” Things like “esta e outra“, “so mais uma,” and “tudo certinho,” (which just means to continue doing what you were already doing). They make the dance more beautiful, but are not totally necessary; especially when people are just learning.”
*Editorial Dance Note: Aside from the calls, the step is also important it is easy to see the step in the video when they are dancing in place. It is called a “box step”.
Other YouTube examples you may want to watch include:
Jeff,
I assume you are related to the Madruga’s who lived at 3016 Rogers Street.
the house is for sale and I have seen the beautiful wooden deck and railing.
I would like to know who designed or built the railing and or come see it and see how it is holding up.
I have a similar era house and am considering this type of railing design. Any help would be appreciated
sorry to bug you but I dont want to engage to the realtor or knock on the door.
Steve – Sorry to be slow in getting back to you on your question. The simple truth is that while I *am* a distant “shirt-tail” cousin of the former “Madruga” resident at 3016 Rogers St., Mr. Duarte Richard Madruga, I did NOT know him, nor do I know of any closer relatives that I’m sure can help you. Sorry. The “closest” long-shot guess I might suggest is to contact a local Realtor named Kelly Madruga, whose husband Matt Madruga is a potentially (?) “closer” relative connected to the “Xavier Madruga” lineage?!? Matt Madruga is an uncommonly good man, but (as I said), this is a very “long-shot”, at best. Good luck. I’m sorry I couldn’t be more helpful. – JLM