one of 125 queens
This past Sunday was the Holy Ghost Festa Parade in Sausalito, where they happen to be celebrating their 125th anniversary!
Since I was a past queen back in 1997, I was invited along with all other past queens to be in the parade. I only participated in the parade from the church to the hall and didn’t get a “Past Queen” sash until after the parade was over, so I think a lot of people were confused as to what I was doing there all dressed up. How could I be in a parade and NOT dress up fancy!?!? But it was a lot of fun and now I have a “Past Queen” sash for all my Halloween and parade crashing needs!
1940s white gown: ebay
1930s blue ostrich feather capelet: Vintage Expo
white heels: MIA via Bunny’s Shoes, Santa Cruz
1960s purse, white parasol: thrifted
1950s sunglasses: a vintage store in Sacrament that has since closed
blue gloves: We Love Colors, via a blog giveaway
The cape on the far left was the one I wore in 1997.
In the late 13th century during a severe famine throughout Portugal, a compassionate Queen Isabel was determined to help her starving subjects. Legend has it that during her efforts she was confronted by the very harsh King Diniz while crossing the royal courtyard with crown jewels (in some versions of the story it was bread) hidden in her cape. The King asked the Queen what she was carrying, and she responded “roses” although it was mid-winter and none were blooming. But when her cape was opened for the King’s inspection, the jewels had been miraculously converted to roses. The miracle allowed the Queen to continue to sell her jewelry to feed the starving Portuguese population.
I’m glad that my family introduced me to such vibrant and fun cultural tradition. Plus, the food is so good!
