Hundreds from across the state gathered in Cayucos July 11-12 for the 91st Annual Cayucos Portuguese Celebration, a chance to celebrate a beloved queen who cared deeply for her people, risking her life to help them through drought and famine. Queen St. Isabel of Aragon, who lived from 1271-1336, was revered for an act of kindness and love when she sold her jewelry to buy food for her starving people. She’s is also known for the “Miracle of the Roses.” One day, as she was sneaking out bread, her husband King Diniz stopped her and demanded to see what she was carrying. Isabel said roses and when she opened her arms, the bread

had been turned into roses. The King never caught on that it was January and roses were out of season. To show her love and humility, Queen Isabel would place her crown upon the head of a young village girl. This year’s Cayucos queen was Stephanie Raminha of Paso Robles. Her attendants were her sister, Kristen Raminha and Jessica Nino. Junior queen was Katie Perry from Atascadero. Her attendants were her cousin, Mia Perry and Lauryn Simons. The Little Queen was Rori Perry of Atascadero. Her attendants were Kelsey Ramos and Riley Rocha. Photos by Neil Farrell