Confetti begins to fill the air after the members of Our Lady of Angels position the 700-pound OLOA statue to hook the money wreath and pluck it from its perch on high at St. Mary’s Church at the beginning of the procession route on Main Street in Fairhaven on Monday, 9/3/18, for the 88th OLOA Portguese Feast. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
According to organizers and volunteers staffing the booths, the 88th Feast of Our Lady of Angels was probably the best yet. Often called the “Biggest-Little Feast” as a contrast to its much larger counterpart in New Bedford, the feast is held on Labor Day weekend every year at the OLOA Catholic Association feast grounds in Fairhaven, and runs strictly on volunteer power.
Two boys carry a banner during the procession on Monday, 9/3/18, for the 88th feast of Our Lady of Angels in Fairhaven. Walking in the procession is a rite of passage for young people in the parishes associated with the OLOA association. Photo by Beth David.
The procession on Monday features religious groups, and is a rite of passage for young people in the parishes associated with association.
The main feature is the large OLOA statue, which weighs 700 pounds, although it has been reported to weigh more depending on who you ask. The procession starts at St. Mary’s Church, across from the feast grounds, travels up Main Street to Benoit Square and back again. The North Fairhaven Improvement Association handed out cold water to the walkers on Monday, a much appreciated gesture in the near-90-degree heat.
It was jam packed at night, especially on Saturday, and the feast grounds were pretty much filled up during the two full days, despite the heat. The malassadas line, which is usually a good measure, stretched all the way back to the stage, this time following the shade. Some people waited for nearly two hours.
After all, the dough has to rise, and some things cannot be rushed.
Herman Bruce, Fatima Coelho and Manny Coelho said they did not mind waiting in line because the malassadas taste so good. Besides, it gives people a chance to chit chat for a bit.
Justina Viveiros tosses a malassada to the sugar bin while Blanche Pepin waits to be able to bag it for the customers waiting in line at the 88th annual Feast of Our Lady of Angels in Fairhaven on 9/2/18. Photo by Beth David.
Some people have a system, and try to time it just right so they don’t have to wait too long.
“You see people you know. They’re always in a good mood. They’re not too grouchy,” said Herman.
“Unless they’re in this line,” he added with a laugh.
All three said the weather was beautiful, no rain. They also noticed that the procession was smaller, but they were not complaining. They said it was “more cozy.”
So, how long are people willing to wait for the storied malassadas?
“As long as it takes,” said Judy Medeiros on Monday. “We don’t keep track.”
She said the night before the line was a two-hour wait. But that’s okay with her.
“I come just because of the malassadas,” she said.
In addition to that tasty sugared treat, the feast grounds offered a variety of Portuguese favorites, such as bacalhau, cacoila, bifana, linguica and port wine. Clam cakes, French fries, burgers, and other American favorites were also available.
Young people walk in the procession on Monday, 9/3/18, for the 88th feast of Our Lady of Angels in Fairhaven. Walking in the procession is a rite of passage for young people in the parishes associated with the OLOA association. Photo by Beth David.
The auctions, famous for their competitive nature, included food, wine, and items that were often donated back to be sold more than once.
It’s all for the the cause, y’know?
Entertainment included Portuguese and American bands for dancing or just listening, game booths, activities for children, and toys for sale.
To learn more about the history of the feast, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLoZioMm1KY&feature=share
Girls walk and wave during the procession on Monday, 9/3/18, for the 88th feast of Our Lady of Angels in Fairhaven. Walking in the procession is a rite of passage for young people in the parishes associated with the OLOA association. Photo by Beth David.
A boy enjoys the simple pleasures of bubbles during the 88th annual Our Lady of Angels Portuguese Feast on Saturday, 9/1/18, in Fairhaven. The “Biggest-Little Feast” is smaller than its New Bedford counterpart, but boasts the same good food, good music, and reconnecting with friends and relatives. Photo by Jim Mahaney.
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Click here to download the entire 8/30/18 issue: 09-06-18 OLOA Feast
