Portuguese Festival and Blessing of the Fleet 2024

Portuguese Festival and Blessing of the Fleet 2024

June, 2024

Sanders Theatre, Cambridge, Massachusetts

About This Festival

The Portuguese Festival and Blessing of the Fleet in Cambridge, Massachusetts is an annual celebration that showcases the vibrant Portuguese culture and pays tribute to the local fishing community. This lively event brings together residents and visitors alike, offering a delightful blend of entertainment, food, and tradition. The festival features a variety of activities for all ages, including live music performances by talented artists showcasing traditional Portuguese music genres like fado and folk dances such as the popular "Rancho Folclorico." Attendees can savor mouthwatering Portuguese cuisine at numerous food stalls serving delectable dishes like bacalhau à brás (salted codfish), sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), and pastéis de nata (custard tarts). One of the highlights is undoubtedly the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, where a procession leads to the waterfront to bless local fishing vessels for safe journeys. It is a sight to behold as beautifully adorned boats sail through the harbor while spectators cheer on from shore.