Lea este artículo en español aquí.
An annual tradition, the coronation of new Senior and Junior Queens, and Sidemaids, for 2026-27 took place at the S.D.E.S Portuguese Society and Hall in Hollister on May 23.
The new Senior Queen chosen to represent the S.D.E.S. Society was Abigail Bedolla with two Sidemaids Makena Bedolla and Averi Mendonsa. The new Junior Queen chosen was Sofia Correia with Sidemaids Claire Lee and Faith Ash.
Bedolla said having the opportunity to be Senior Queen and represent the S.D.E.S. Society means a lot to her because it plays a huge role in her culture, and her family has been involved in the Portuguese traditions and celebrations for generations.
“It is special to me to be Queen to carry on this tradition,” she said. “I had the chance to be Junior Queen 10 years ago and now I am Senior Queen. My Sidemaid was the same one from when I was six, and my sister is my other Sidemaid now.”
Bedolla said it is nice to see the Holy Spriit through all of the helping hands from people within the community and the rising youth who have been involved in the preparations and celebrations together.
The weekend also included the traditional parade in downtown Hollister.
Senior Queen Abigail Bedolla. Photo by Angel Vieira Credit: Angel Vieira
Flag bearers carry the SDES banner flanked by the American flag and the Portugal flag. Photo by Angel Vieira Credit: Angel Vieira
We need your help. Support local, nonprofit news! BenitoLink is a nonprofit news website that reports on San Benito County. Our team is committed to this community and providing essential, accurate information to our fellow residents. Producing local news is expensive, and community support keeps the news flowing. Please consider supporting BenitoLink, San Benito County’s public service nonprofit news.