New Bedford Day of Portugal Festivities

New Bedford is hosting the Day of Portugal for the 21^st year. It's actually an entire weekend dedicated to celebrating Camões and the Portuguese communities from June 14 - 17.

Thursday, June 14 - The raising of the flag in front of City Hall at 6:30 pm. The program includes students from the Discovery Language Academy and the Children’s Folkloric group who will perform in front of City Hall and the Whaling Museum.

The Whaling Museum will have an exhibit for the Day of Portugal Month on the life of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, a Portuguese diplomat stationed in Bordeaux in the late 1930s who issued tens of thousands of visas to Jewish families, in direct violation of anti-Jewish laws. A reception will follow with traditional Portuguese “Comes e Bebes” and entertainment.

Friday, June 15 - Opening ceremonies on Acushnet Ave., starting with a blessing from the Pastor Father Octavio Cortez of Saint Anthony’s Church at 6:30 pm. The St. Anthony of Padua Feast is being celebrated simultaneously with the Day of Portugal festivities. Feast closes at midnight on Friday. Local and Azorean artisans will present their works.

Saturday, June 16 - Starting at 9 am, there will be a Youth 10 Soccer Tournament at Riverside Park. Feast opens at 1 pm with a variety of entertainment, including folkloric groups, Eratoxica, Capitalistas, Ilhas de Bruma and much more. Feast closes at midnight.

Sunday, June 17 - The feast continues with entertainment, multiple folkloric groups. Feast closes at 10 pm. June 17 is Father’s Day, so treat dad to a feast and entertainment.