Celebration of the Holy Ghost

The Celebration of the Holy Ghost,  Festa do Espirito Santo, according to oral history, originated from two religious experiences during the 16th century.   Since that time, particularly in the Azores, a celebratory meal of thanksgiving is held. Following a mass a procession concludes the seven week pos- Easter season, on Pentecost Sunday. Even as a young child, walking in the procession, dressed in white and carrying a bouquet of red roses, I knew that the event had special meaning. (Read more in Portuguese Home Cooking)

Holy Ghost Soup, Sweet Bread and Sweet Rice are the traditional meal for this celebration. Any meats cooked in the soup broth were served on the side.  Versions vary from island to island. Some are very lean, having just a flavorful broth while others like this are more substantial.  This recipe for Holy Ghost Soup is as it is made on the island of Graciosa and is posted in the soup section of this website. My husbands family from Graciosa

shared the family soup.