Some of our 2026 Annual Crab Dinner — Our 2026 Crab Dinner sold out quickly, bringing 200 guests together for fresh Dungeness crab and a lively silent auction. Portuguese Consul General Dr. Filipe Ramalheira and his family joined us for the evening, and we welcomed many first-time attendees from the local Marin community. The event raised significant funds for IDESST programs while bringing together longtime members and new faces over shared plates and Portuguese hospitality. Holy Ghost Festa Our annual Holy Ghost Festa is the Bay Area's most authentic celebration of this Portuguese tradition. The day includes a procession through Sausalito streets, Mass at the church, and traditional sopas served to hundreds of guests at the Hall. Our queens lead the procession in ceremonial capes and crowns, carrying forward a tradition that connects generations. Families who've celebrated Festa here for decades gather alongside newcomers, united by food, faith, and community. Our next Festa happens on Sunday, May 24th, 2026...Join Us! Sip & Savor Gatherings Our Sip & Savors have become regular community gatherings for members, guests, and locals. These casual evenings bring people together over wine, petiscos, and conversation. Author Brad Angeja recently joined us to read from his book about growing up in a Portuguese family in the East Bay, sparking stories and connections among attendees. The format is simple: good food, good company, and Portuguese warmth, no formal programs required. Fado Nights 2021 | Fado in Sausalito Fadista Cuca Roseta and pianist Júlio Resende performed at IDESST in partnership with the Consulate General of Portugal in San Francisco and Sausalito-Cascais Sister City Inc. The intimate afternoon concert brought renowned Portuguese fado to our Hall. 2022 | Joana Alegre Concert Portuguese Indie Folk singer, Joana Alegre, accompanied by pianist Vicente Palma, performed songs from her albums "Joan & The White Harts" and "Centro." Alegre is a singer, composer, and vocal coach known for blending Portuguese roots with classical training and baroque pop influences. The concert featured piano, acoustic guitar, and voice in an intimate setting. Presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Portugal, Sausalito-Cascais Sister City Inc., and Camões Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua. Our Hall — Your Celebrations! The IDESST Hall serves as a community gathering space beyond our Portuguese events. Last year, we hosted wedding receptions, milestone birthdays, a local high school choir concert, and Sushi Ran's anniversary celebration. We've also welcomed bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate gatherings, and community fundraisers. The Hall offers a historic setting with the practical support of our experienced team. Whether you're celebrating Portuguese heritage or creating your own family traditions, our space accommodates a range of events. Hall rentals directly support IDESST's mission and programs. Interested in renting the Hall for your event? Contact us at rental@idesst.org for availability and rates. Top 3 Photos | © Esther del Rosario |
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