109th Portuguese Feast Returns to New Bedford This Summer

The 109th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford is the largest Portuguese celebration in America. Thousands of people flock to Madeira Field in the North End for four days of free entertainment, culture, food, a giant parade and more.

This year's Feast President Carl Colangelo and Vice President John Alves joined Townsquare Sunday to preview the Feast and talk about some new attractions this year.

Colangelo said he's worked at the Feast for more than 30 years. Alves has worked at the Feast for 50 years. He's never been president, but stays with it because "it's an inheritance from my family, it's a wonderful gift from them to be connected to this," he said.

When Is the 109th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament?

This year's Feast will open on Thursday, July 31 and continue through Sunday, August 3 with free admission all four days.

MBTA Train Perks for This Year's Feast

In an effort to attract more out-of-town visitors to the Feast, organizers have been working with Keolis massAdventures to promote the Feast to riders in Greater Boston. They've also worked out a deal where people can ride the train to the Church Street station in New Bedford on Saturday or Sunday, get free transportation to the Feast grounds plus a $20 gift card to spend at the Feast, then board the train home later in the day.

"It's really about promoting the Portuguese culture and the New Bedford community," Colangelo said. "There's a large number of Portuguese folks outside of New Bedford. There have always been people coming from out of town and out of state. This is a way of embracing that, and spreading the culture."

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament via Facebook

Live Music and Entertainment

There are more than 50 bands and entertainers taking part in this year's Feast. Colangelo said they're offering a balance of cultural performances and pop music, with Saturday featuring cultural performers while Sunday will see an emphasis on contemporary music.

New Food and Drink Offerings for 2025

There will be new Portuguese items on the food menu, including desserts, beverages and the world-famous Madeira wine.

Don’t Miss the Sunday Parade

The Sunday parade steps off at 2 p.m. at Brooklawn Park, going south on Acushnet Avenue to Earle Street, left on Earle to Madeira Avenue and the feast grounds. It is the largest parade in New Bedford and features bands, floats, folkloric dancers and more.

"I just want everyone to have a great experience," Colangelo said. "I hope they come down, meet old friends, make new ones and leave there happy."

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