With excitement building toward the 100th anniversary of the Portuguese Festa do Espirito Santo in San Diego, the Portuguese community in Point Loma will host “A Taste of Portugal” event from April 23-25 at the U.P.S.E.S. Hall. Organizers said the multi-day event is intended as a celebration of Portuguese food, wine, traditions and culture. Things kick off Friday, April 23 with the opening “A Taste of Portugal, featuring offerings of food and wine from various regions in Portugal. Tickets for the taste are $20 in advance, $30 at the door. On Saturday, April 24, organizers plan a symposium featuring presenters who will discuss the relationship between the U.S. tuna fleet and the Festa, the spiritual connection between the Festa and St. Agnes Church and the volunteers who keep the community’s traditions alive. Following the symposium is “Cozinha Nova Portuguesa,” a traditional Portuguese sit-down dinner prepared by Chef Manuel Azevedo of Sonoma County’s LaSalette Restaurant. The dinner, which starts at 6:30 p.m., is a tribute to the community’s many volunteers. Finally, on Sunday, April 25 is an arts and culture open house featuring works by local Portuguese artists, private art collections, music and dancing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To order tickets for the Friday and Saturday evening events, visit www.upses.com. The 2010 Centennial U.P.S.E.S. Festa will be held from May 16-23 to commemorate 100 years of Portuguese heritage. Festa do Espirito Santo, or Feast of the Holy Spirit, celebrates Queen Saint Isabel’s dedication to feeding the poor during a famine in Portugal during the 13th century. Since 1910, the Portuguese community in San Diego has observed the week-long celebration with Rosary services, Portuguese music, dancing, parades, coronations and food. For more information, call (619) 223-5880. — Staff and contribution