Bem-Vindo! How to navigate the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament

More than 100,000 visitors from around the world are expected to pour into the Whaling City this weekend for the 109th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament — the largest Portuguese festival in the world and the largest ethnic festival in New England.

Created in 1915 by four immigrants from Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago, the free event celebrates both Madeiran and broader Portuguese culture, and the region’s heritage.

The 2025 edition of the Feast is a special one, as it’s the second year where women have served on the Feast’s committee. During his opening remarks Thursday evening, 2025 Feast President Carl Colangelo said that this year, “festeiras” — women serving on the committee — outnumbered men on their 106-person planning team.

“Our aim is to preserve valuable traditions that have meant so much to our parents and grandparents,” Colangelo wrote on the Feast’s website. “This is our way to help assure the Feast for future generations.”

The Feast, located on the blocks adjacent to Madeira Street, will run from 5 to 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 1 and from noon to 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 3. 

Music and performances 

“Nonstop” entertainment across five stages will be performed by 55 bands and artists, according to organizers. Performances include a variety of traditional dance groups, local musicians, DJs, along with multiple cover bands. 

Nearly all of this year’s cover bands will be performing on Stage 1, except for the Bruce Springsteen tribute on Saturday, which will be on Stage 2. There are also U2, Green Day, and Journey tribute bands. See the Feasts’ website for the full list and times of performers. 

Stage 5, located by the Madeiran Heritage Museum’s cafe on Hope Street, will feature traditional musical performances such as fado singers, guitarists, and a classical violinist. See the times and performers for stage 5 here.

Food and drink

The food and drink menus for the Feast are wide-ranging. Food options include hot dogs and hamburgers, linguica and cacoila sandwiches, bifanas, bolo do caco, pasteis de nata, malassadas, poncha, and more. 

Thirty-two barrels of traditional Madeiran wine have also been imported from the archipelago.

Guests cannot purchase more than two alcoholic beverages at a time, and the only acceptable forms of ID are valid driver’s licenses, state ID cards, passports or military IDs, according to organizers. Guests who plan to purchase alcoholic beverages will need to acquire a wristband from booths around the venue.

Purchasing items

Transactions at the Feast run on a ticketed system, where one ticket is equal to one dollar. These tickets can buy food and drinks, along with access to activities such as the carnival rides or venues such as the feast hall. 

For the past 110 years the Feast’s transactions have been entirely cash-based, but this year will be the first to allow card payments. “I hope people are a little patient,” said Vice President John Alves. “Because it’s a whole new system for 1,000 volunteers.” 

Parking and traffic

Street parking surrounding the festival is free, but may be difficult to find during peak hours. Festivalgoers can also park in a large lot on Belleville Avenue in front of a former mill for $20.

Hope Street has been converted into a one-way road for northbound traffic. A police checkpoint has been established at the intersection of Nash Road and Hope Street, allowing only local traffic to pass.

During the Feast’s annual parade on Sunday, a parking ban will go into effect along the parade route starting at 10 a.m., affecting parts of Acushnet Avenue and Earle Street.

Security 

The Feast’s security is overseen by the New Bedford Police Department (NBPD) along with a security group operating metal detectors at the Feast’s four designated entry points. “It’s just like going to Gillette,” said Alves, the Feast’s vice president. “You stand in line, you go through the metal detector real quick, and you’re in.”

Similar to Gillette, the only bags permitted are “clear backpacks, clear Ziplock bags, small purses, wristlets, handheld bags,” according to the NBPD. However, organizers have stated exceptions will be made for medical equipment and diaper bags. 

The Feast notes on its website that “all guests are subject to search at the discretion of law enforcement. Failure to consent to such search will result in denial of entry.”

No outside food or drink will be allowed at the festival except vegetables for the barbecue pit. Other banned items include non-service animals, weapons, illegal substances, gang-related attire, unauthorized video cameras, fireworks, pyrotechnics, flares, hoverboards, segways, flags, banners, selfie sticks, tripods, and laser pointers.

Additionally, operating drones or similar devices over the Feast grounds is prohibited. 

An estimated 40 to 50 police officers will be present at the Feast. A police spokesperson said, “Attendees can expect a strong uniformed police presence.”

Annual parade

The parade, which the Feast website describes as the largest and longest in the city — begins at Brooklawn Park at 2 p.m. Sunday. The mile-long parade will travel down Acushnet Avenue until reaching the Feast’s traditional grounds at Madeira Place.

Family fun Day

The Walgreens Family Fun Day will take place Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Feast. During this time, there will be free hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks for children under 12, along with face painting, crafts, interactive activities, and a Taylor Swift impersonator on Stage 1 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Sunday Mass

Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha will lead a Mass at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church on 136 Earle St. on Sunday morning. Bishop Da Cunha, a Lusophone himself, will deliver part of the Mass in Portuguese to what is expected to be a packed church. 

For more information about the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, see the website.

Zakary Sarkarati and Kristina DaPonte are summer interns with The New Bedford Light, as part of the South Coast Internship program, designed for local students.