The Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England will reach its peak during the weekend of its 40th anniversary celebration, when thousands of visitors are expected to gather in Fall River for two days of Azorean traditions, religious ceremonies, music and community fellowship.

 

Running Aug. 26 to 30 at Kennedy Park, the feast is marking four decades as one of the largest celebrations dedicated to the Divine Holy Spirit outside Portugal. While activities take place throughout the week, organizers say Saturday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 30, will showcase many of the festival's most iconic traditions.

 

Founded in 1986 by the late Heitor de Sousa, the feast has grown into a major expression of Azorean faith and culture in North America, drawing Holy Ghost brotherhoods from across New England and beyond.

 

For Ma?rcia Sousa Da Ponte, president of the organizing committee, the anniversary serves as both a tribute to the volunteers who built the event and a reminder of its enduring mission.

 

“The 40th anniversary is a way of honoring everyone who worked to keep this tradition alive,” Da Ponte said. “It's also a moment to think about what we want these festivities to be in the years ahead.”

 

See more at heraldnews.com.