Portuguese Feast!
Posted Tuesday, July 8, 2014 02:07 PM
The Festival of the Blessed Sacrament held annually in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the first weekend in August coincides with a similar festival on the Portuguese island of Madeira. The American festival, which was first held in 1914, celebrates the safe arrival of the Portuguese immigrants who came to New Bedford in the early 19th century after braving rough seas and stormy weather en route.

The descendants of these immigrants, many of whom served aboard American whaleships, give thanks each year by holding what they like to think of as the largest Portuguese feast in the world.
 
Preparations for the festivities go on throughout the year, and the events include a parade, Portuguese folkloric dancers and singers, Portuguese specialties such as cabra (goat) and bacalhau (codfish), and a colorful procession to the Immaculate Conception Church.
 
The festival is held at Madeira Field, although the events extend throughout the city.
 
New Bedford, once a thriving New England whaling port, remains home to a large Portuguese-American community.