Annual Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Kicks Off in New Bedford
NEW BEDFORD — This weekend marks the 108th celebration of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, a vibrant four-day festival that showcases the rich Madeiran culture in the city.
Taking place from today through Sunday, August 4th, at Madeira Field in New Bedford’s North End, the festival features a delightful blend of religious customs, traditional Portuguese cuisine, and a variety of entertainment for all ages.
Feast Opening Hours for Saturday
The festivities will commence at noon and run until 11:45 p.m. today, offering plenty of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the activities.
Highlight of Events and Activities for Families
Saturday afternoon boasts a kid-friendly program with engaging activities. Children can look forward to a wrestling ring set up near Stage 2, delightful encounters with Disney characters, baby goats from Hidden Gems Farm, and excitement with ax throwing hosted by the Boy Scouts of America. Educational fun awaits as well with a Discovery Learning Laboratory on site.
Musical Performances to Enjoy
Musical performances will be a major highlight of the feast. The Grupo Folclórico da Casa do Povo da Camacha from Madeira Island will take to the main stage at 8 p.m. Following them, the renowned Portuguese-American artist Nelia will headline from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. A range of additional performers will grace the festival, including Hallie Grace, Hardwire, and Elvis, among others, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Fado music enthusiasts can also enjoy a performance by renowned artist Ana Vinagre at the Museum Café from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Savor Authentic Portuguese Cuisine
Food lovers will delight in the diverse offerings at the feast, which includes traditional dishes such as carne-de-espeto, linguiça, caçoila, and bifana sandwiches, as well as Portuguese-style chicken, beef, goat, or tuna served with potatoes, rice, and vegetables. A unique 40-foot pit for grilling skewered sirloin beef will be available, alongside classic treats like milho frito and bolo do caco. For adults, sipping on Madeira wine is a must!
Entry and Expense Information
Entry to the feast is completely free. However, food and beverages will be purchased via a ticket system, with ticket machines located throughout the grounds, many of which accept credit cards. Attendees wishing to purchase alcoholic beverages must obtain a wristband at designated booths by presenting a valid driver’s license.
Prohibited Items at the Feast
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, certain items are not permitted on the feast grounds including coolers, backpacks, oversized bags, drones, selfie sticks, equipment for video recording such as GoPros, and tripods.
Parking Information for Attendees
While street parking in the vicinity may be limited, a paid parking area is available at the old Cliftex Mill property on Belleville Avenue.
For additional details regarding the feast, please visit feastoftheblessedsacramentcom.ning.com.
