No Escaping Malasadas For Day Of Portugal Celebration

For the weekend, vehicle traffic on part of Acushnet Ave will be replaced with people, vendors, and of course, malasadas.

New Bedford's Day of Portugal celebration began on Friday with city officials cutting the ribbon, and joining the fun.

Day of Portugal Committee President, Carlos Pinhancos says the weekend-long event celebrates Portuguese roots.

"We're not the first generation Portuguese anymore, so the true traditions we don't know them, so we're trying to keep them alive for second, third, and forth generation Portuguese who want to have a connection to their past," Pinhancos said.

Along with Portuguese culture, the event celebrates famous Portuguese poet, Luís Vaz de Camões.

This is the 18th year the Day of Portugal has been celebrated in New Bedford.

The festival will end on Sunday night, but not before the annual Day of Portugal 5k Road Race is held at 10 am Sunday morning.