The 78th annual Festa is currently taking place at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Ludlow, MA, celebrating Portuguese culture and faith over Labor Day weekend. Originally started as a religious celebration marking the parish’s inauguration, it has evolved into a larger cultural event, according to Festa President Scott Gomes-Ganhao.
Key features of the Festa include:
- Religious Traditions: An open-air Mass and candle procession are scheduled for Sunday night, continuing the event’s religious heritage.
- Global Gathering: Attendees from diverse locations, including Hawaii and Switzerland, are expected to join the festivities.
- Family-Friendly Activities: The fair offers carnival rides, games, authentic Portuguese food, and local vendors.
- Live Entertainment: Performances include Great Escape and Azorian Beats DJ on Friday, Tony Carrera from Portugal on Saturday, and the Portuguese Cowboy on Sunday.
- Fireworks: Scheduled for Saturday at 9:30 p.m.
Gomes-Ganhao expressed his joy in seeing families come together to enjoy the culture, food, and faith, encouraging those who haven’t attended yet to join in the celebration.
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