The 103rd Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, aka “The Feast,” was held this weekend, August 3–6, at Madeira field in New Bedford. The annual summer gathering is a favorite for people to meet up every year. It is the largest Portuguese feast in the world.
A recent change has been the addition of a family day on Saturday. Specials included free food for children, half-price specials for seniors, and kid-themed entertainment.
John Alves, 2017 Feast Vice President, said that this year’s family day was the “biggest ever.”
He said it was a way to give back to the community.
“This community has been very supportive of the feast, so we want to give back,” he said, adding that the Feast gave out 46 scholarships to high school seniors this year.
ABOVE & BELOW:Preparing the large spits for the Carne Espito and cooking the meat on the big barbecue is one of the highlights of the feast for many feast aficionados. Photos by Beth David.
Although the sentiment issometimes lost in the excitement of all the activities, the feast is, essentially, a religious festival. Immaculate Conception Church, right near the feast grounds, is decorated in a traditional Portuguese fashion. Photo by Beth David.
Click here to download the entire 8/10/17 issue: 08-10-17 PicnicOnLawn
