1994 Escolha da Rainha do Divino Espírito Santo, Lowell, MA

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1994 Escolha da Rainha do Divino Espírito Santo, Lowell, MA

1994

A video about the Festa do Divino Espirito Santo and the ball hosted to choose the next Holy Ghost Queen for the 1994-1995 year, recorded by TV Portugal Lowell. The video is produced and hosted by Jose Gabriel. The program opens with Jose Gabriel thanking those who support TV Portugal Lowell such as the Saint Anthony Church, Radio Amizade, Fres Market owners, and other Portuguese organizations, including those who were involved with the Holy Ghost Festival planning and organization. The program then segues into an interview that discusses the history of the celebration and the Holy Ghost Society. The program transitions to footage of the ball where the the next Holy Ghost Queen was chosen. The announcers explain the event and its various segments, and then present the previous Holy Ghost Queen and her ladies in waiting from the 1993-1994 year.

Following this, the first segment of the event begins. The contestants of the ball walk the stage and the announcers introduce them while the live band performs in the background. The announcers give the contestant's name, age, and what they would like to be when they grow up, and then asks the contestant why they hope to pursue that career, which the contestant answers. The segment ends with dancing and a musical performance.

Once competition formally begins, the contestants walk out in elegant dresses to place papers with their names in the bowl from which the Holy Ghost Queen and her ladies will be chosen. The announcers give the audience more information on the dresses and their designs as they walk. Then, when all the contestants have joined the stage, another musical performance begins.

Finally, the previous Holy Ghost Queen and her ladies from the 1993-1994 year are called back to the stage and they each give a speech before the new ladies and Holy Ghost Queen are respectively chosen. The contestants chosen include: the second lady, Lisa Miguel; the first lady, Melinda Silva; and the Holy Ghost Queen, Lisa Baltazar. A speech is given at the end to thank those involved with the ball and the Holy Ghost Society. 

After the ball, the ladies and the queen are interviewed by Jose Gabriel about the event, and then Fr. Ferreira from St. Anthony's Parish is interviewed before the program ends.

Permission to link out to YouTube page granted by Januario's son, Rob Leal.

UMass Lowell, Center for Lowell History

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