American children of Madeiran descent dressed in traditional Madeiran outfits in preparation to march in the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament parade, August 1, 1999. Photo: John K. Robson

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament

The largest Portuguese feast in the world and the largest ethnic festival in New England, this annual four-day event draws more than 250,000 visitors to New Bedford in midsummer. It begins with the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, a medieval ritual of devotion, followed by a parade lasting two and a half hours. Traditional Portuguese food is served, and music is performed by both Portuguese and American artists. The original feast was a strictly religious celebration begun in 1915 by four Madeiran immigrants as a re-creation of the feast celebrated in their home villages.

The project includes a 15-page essay on the history and traditions of the feast, 26 photographs, news clippings, promotional brochures, copies of a flyer for the 1999 event, a souvenir program from the 85th anniversary feast held in 1999, and information on Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, Inc., the sponsors of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament.

Originally submitted by: Barney Frank, Representative (4th District).

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