As Portuguese-American Heritage Month approaches in Massachusetts, Taunton will have multiple events and activities to celebrate Portuguese culture, from festas and a picnic to a flag raising ceremony and reception.
“On behalf of the Greater Taunton Area Day of Portugal Committee, I would like to invite our local community to come and celebrate,” said committee president Paul Ferreira.
The way Ferreira sees it, the main goal of his team is to promote Portuguese culture rather than just the events they organize, and celebrating an occasion with multiple events can create a more memorable and engaging experience.
“This committee itself is committed to giving back to the Portuguese community, so a large percentage of our funds is dedicated to the Veteranos das Armadas Portuguesas da Nova Inglaterra (New England Veterans of the Portuguese Armed Forces) and other endeavors that will help the local Portuguese,” he said.
Ferreira said one of their goals is to connect with more people and engage with the younger generation.
“It’s wonderful to see the involvement of the second and third generations of Portuguese and the children as they are our future,” he said.
Ferreira noted the Greater Taunton Area Day of Portugal Committee is made up of a diverse group of individuals but they all share a common goal.
“I am grateful for my Board, Vice President Teresa Mello, Treasurer Susete Horton, Secretary Paul Albernaz and my entire committee. They are a wonderful group to work with,” he said.
Portuguese events happening in Taunton
The Taunton Eagles Holy Ghost Brotherhood will hold a Holy Ghost Feast from May 30 to June 1 at the Taunton Eagles Club, 29 Oak St. Admission is free, and the weekend will be full of food and live music.
On Saturday, June 7, the Day of Portugal Committee will host a ceremony to raise the Portuguese flag in front of City Hall at 12:00 pm. A reception will follow at the City Council Chambers.
“We are honored to have present the Consul of Portugal Tiago de Sousa, our Mayor Shanna O’Connell, Senator Kelly Dooner, City Council members and other local dignitaries,” Ferreira said.
A Day of Portugal Picnic will take place on Sunday, June 8 at Taunton Sports Club, starting at 11 a.m. Admission is free.
“The students of Escola de Taunton Sports will be performing Portuguese songs, and there will be plenty of Portuguese food and drinks,” Ferreira said.
On Tuesday, June 10, a group representing the City of Taunton will take part in the annual Heritage Day of Portugal at the Massachusetts State House. Starting at 10 a.m., the ceremony recognizes Portuguese-Americans who have contributed to the betterment of Massachusetts.
“We’ll have a bus that will leave from Taunton (Portuguese American Civic Club – School Street) at 8 a.m. to attend the Boston State House festivities,” said Ferreira.
The Irmandade do Espírito Santo da Santíssima Trindade de Taunton will hold a Holy Ghost Feast from June 20 to 22 at the Taunton Sports Club, 33 Baker Rd. Admission is free, and the weekend will be full of food and live music, including performances by Tony Borges, Starlight, Michelle Pereira, Anthony Morais, Luizinho and Legacy.
From July 25 to 27, the Holy Ghost Society of Saint Anthony Parish will hold a Holy Ghost Feast at the church grounds, located at 126 School St.
For more information about the Greater Taunton Area Day of Portugal Committee, visit https://www.facebook.com/tauntondayofportugal/