Join in the celebration of the 105th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament this Thurs.–Sun., 8/1–4, at Madeira Field in New Bedford. New Bedford’s feast is the largest Portuguese Feast in the World! FREE ADMISSION! Fun for everyone with four Stages of Live Entertainment, Carnival, Parade, Road Race, Family & Kids Day, Museum Cafe and so much more!
Visit http://feastoftheblessedsacramentcom.ning.com for details on non-stop entertainment.
Hours
Thurs.: 6–11:45 p.m.; Fri., Sat. & Sun., Noon to 11:45 p.m., at 50 Madeira Ave, New Bedford.
Opening Day
The Feast commences Thursday with the assembly of the Festeiros (Feast Committee Members) at the intersection of Earle Street and Acushnet Avenue. Led by the Feast President, the Festeiros march in a special procession down Earle Street to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church which is located at the corner of Earle Street and Madeira Avenue. At the church, Father Daniel O. Reis celebrates a special Benediction to the Blessed Sacrament.
Entertainment
Continuous live entertainment on four stages featuring top name entertainment plus cabaret style music and Fado singers in the quiet atmosphere of the Courtyard Café at the Museum of Madeiran Heritage.
Food & Drink
Traditional Madeiran Portuguese dinner with numerous menu choices for full dinners in the main pavilion. Cook-your-own barbecue beef (carne d’espeto), sweet malassadas (fried dough) plus linguica (sausage) and baccalau (codfish) sandwiches. Hamburgers, hot dogs and French fries. Madeira wine imported in giant casks by special agreement with the Madeiran Government.
Family Fun Day, Saturday, 8/3
Kids eat free from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The Family Day program has grown over the years and this year is chock full of wonderful entertainment that will please the child in us all. Featuring both kid-themed activities such as face painting, carnival rides, zoo, and more. Grandparents eat for half-price in the pavilion.
5K Road Race
On Saturday, check in at 8:30 a.m., race time 10, Madeira field.
Specials
Kids day and half-price senior specials on Saturday afternoon. Free admission to the Museum of Madeiran Heritage, 5K road race (cash prizes, entry form on website), largest and longest parade in New Bedford starting at Brooklawn Park, traditional folk dances, family oriented carnival midway, street vendors and much more!
Parade
The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament will host its annual parade on Sunday, in the City of New Bedford. The parade will start at 2 p.m. Over forty different organizations will march the one mile route from Brooklawn Park to the Feast grounds at Madeira Field.
Museum Café Entertainment
Museum Café located in the cobblestone courtyard just south of the building. The Cafe serves wine, cool drinks and espresso and cappuccino. Quiet Madeiran and other music create a calming atmosphere where conversation is easy at comfortable bistro style tables. Renowned local fado singers are regular guests at our café singing the soulful Portuguese music.
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