Zeiterion And Portuguese Groups To Host Downtown Festival

New Bedford's Portuguese Community is joining forces with the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center to stage a one-day Downtown festival this spring.

Zeiterion Director Rosemary Gill first suggested the festival as a way to showcase Portuguese culture and the arts. She tells WBSM News, Portuguese groups almost immediately signed on.

"We really feel its historic actually, and the Zeiterion is extremely proud the organization that can bring this all together, and the arts do that. The arts bring people together," said Gill.

Officials say "Viva Portugal" will happen on Purchase Street and will feature live music and entertainment, Portuguese food, artwork and much more.

The head of the Portuguese Consulate in New Bedford, Pedro Carneiro says a number of organizations are working together to make "Viva Portugal" happen.

"At the end of the day, it brings the name and the image of Portugal to the streets of New Bedford and to the community. We are seeing a lot of excitement and enthusiasm for the project."

City Tourism Director Dagny Ashley says New Bedford is becoming the Festival Capital of Massachusetts.

"Festivals are a great way to bring people out and get people to come to your city, especially free festivals. They come here, they'll stay longer, they'll spend money at restaurants, stay at a hotel, so festivals are an amazing way to get people to visit your city," says Ashley.

The "Viva Portugal" festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 7th on Purchase Street. Also on May 7th, the "Z" will play host to Cristina Branco, an international fado singer from Portugal. That is a separate event and tickets are available at the Zeiterion box office.