Organizers Gear Up For 101st Feast Of Blessed Sacrament

The 101st Feast of The Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The feast begins Thursday night and runs through Sunday and is considered to be the largest ethnic festival in North America. It features free entertainment, delicious portuguese food, lots of tradition and a giant parade through the North End Sunday afternoon.

Thousands are expected to attend, and Feast President Nelson De Gouveia says the event brings lots of people together. "it an important part of everyone's life that's ever been in New Bedford, and everyone becomes Madeiran for the next four days," said De Gouveia.

As for the attractions, Vice President Don Neves says folkloric dancers are a hit every year. "They've carried the tradition from Madeira to here," said Neves, "they're fantastic."  Neves added, " they've been all over the world to perform and they do a great job, and they're really our feature entertainment every night."

The Feast continues on Sunday with a giant parade at 2pm through the North End. Governor Baker will be attending the Feast Saturday afternoon. Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will be marching in the parade on Sunday.