The city is gearing up for the Annual Great Feast of the Holy Ghost when it returns later this month. Here is what to expect.
From the City of Fall River
Itinerary for the Annual Great Feast of the Holy Ghost in Fall River
(FALL RIVER, MA- AUGUST 8, 2023)- The Great Feast of the Holy Ghost is returning to Fall River this month. The annual celebration will commence on Wednesday, August 23rd and conclude on Monday, August 28th. The Great Feast of the Holy Ghost is one of the largest Azorean celebrations in the world, celebrated annually since 1986.
Residents should be advised that from Thursday, August 24th to Sunday, August 27th, there will be road closures and potential delays in streets surrounding the Feast. Special parking permits will be administered by the Fall River Police Department to those who live in close proximity to Kennedy Park. For updates on parking and street closures on the week of the Feast, please visit The City of Fall River Facebook Page and/or fallriverma.org.
The Great Feast of the Holy Ghost in Fall River is organized by the Holy Ghost Committee, and is filled with activities centered on faith, food, Azorean culture, and entertainment. Please see the full itinerary below:
The Great Feast of the Divine Holy Spirit 2023 Itinerary
*Program subject to change*
Wednesday, August 23rd:
5:00 p.m.: The recitation of the Rosary following the blessing and serving of the Holy Ghost soup
Thursday, August 24th:
Location: Kennedy Park, 145-199 Bradford Street, Fall River, MA 02721
7:00 p.m.: The illumination of Kennedy Park
7:25 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.: Performances by the Children of Artists at Kennedy Park
Friday, August 25th:
Location: Kennedy Park, 145-199 Bradford Street, Fall River, MA 02721
7:00 p.m.: The entry of Divine Holy Spirit Officials, blessing and distribution of the “Pensões” with the presence of the Bishop from Santarém, Portugal, D. Jose Augusto Traquina Maria, the Honorary Invite Dr. Artur Lima, Vice President of the Azorean Regional Government, the Director of the Regional Communities of Azores, Dr. José Andrade, the Consulate of Portugal in New Bedford, Dr. Rogério Lopes and dignitaries.
7:30 p.m.: Inauguration of the Azorean Artisan and Regional Products from Azores exhibitions. There will be local and Azorean artisan vendors present.
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.: Musical performances by Tyler Bowe and the Luis Neves Show
Saturday, August 26th:
9:30 a.m.: Parade of the “Bodo de Leite” and Ethnographic Display leaving the Gates of the City, going through Columbia St. and South Main St. in the direction of Kennedy Park, where the milk and sweet bread will be distributed to those present in honor of the Divine Spirit.
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Performance from folk groups at Kennedy Park
5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.: Performance from Arlindo Andrade, and Marc Dennis & Atlantys at Kennedy Park
Sunday, August 27th:
9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Breakfast with Radio Voz do Emigrante/ PALCUS at Tabacaria Açoreana (TA) restaurant (408 S. Main St. Fall River, MA 02721)
12:00 p.m.: Solemn Mass of the Crowning at Saint Mary’s Cathedral on 327 Second St., celebrated by D. Jose Augusto Traquina Maria, Bishop of Santarém Portugal, followed by lunch to benefit the Holy Ghost Feast
2:00 p.m.: Crowning Procession at St. Mary’s Cathedral
5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m.: Concert by the “Banda de Nossa Senhora da Conceição Mosteirense of Fall River” at Kennedy Park
6:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.: Auction at Kennedy Park
7:15 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Spectacular performance with Paulo Carvalho and Starlight at Kennedy Park
Monday, August 28th :
6:00 p.m.: Ending Banquet at White’s of Westport Restaurant (66 State Rd, Westport, MA 02790)
For updates or questions about the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost in Fall River, please contact the Holy Ghost Committee: info@grandesfestas.org. You can also visit their website grandesfestas.com for more information.
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