Lively music, loud cheering and feelings of unity filled the streets of Oak Bluffs as the 97th annual Holy Ghost Parade weaved its way through town Sunday morning.

The parade stepped off from the Oak Bluffs Steamship pier, and as per tradition it was led by three newly confirmed girls carrying Queen Isabella’s crown. Meghan Rezendes, who has been marching in the parade as long as she can remember, said she was excited about the opportunity to lead the way this year.

“My favorite part was listening to the music,” she said.

Rocking the streets of Oak Bluffs.

Tim Johnson

Rocking the streets of Oak Bluffs.

Tim Johnson

Following the girls was the Up Island band playing celebratory tunes, and Portuguese American Club members and staff dancing down the streets.

Board member Emily Freeman-Miller walked by a big smile on her face, while handing out Portuguese and American flags to spectators.

“I just love having the band dance behind us and giving out flags and seeing everybody and telling people what we’re doing,” she said.

Lynn Vera was marching for her fifth year in a row after growing up taking part in the festivities.

Meghan Rezendes holds the crown.

Tim Johnson

Meghan Rezendes holds the crown.

Tim Johnson

“When I was a little kid, which was probably 65 years ago, I remember the Portuguese feast, I don’t remember the parade, but I remember the food and the games,” she said.

Ms. Vera reflected on experience as she returned to the celebration now as an adult.

“It sort of brings my life full circle. It’s where I grew up as a child celebrating the feast, and so as a 70 something year old, it’s pretty fun to see the youth and all the old folks and the food, the music, the marching, and the games,” she said.

The parade headed up Circuit avenue and then made its way toward the Sacred Heart Cemetery, where board members laid wreaths and flags on graves and the statue of Jesus. Afterwards, everyone headed to the Portuguese American Club, where the party had started a day earlier for the Feast of the Holy Ghost and continued Sunday afternoon.

Portuguese pride.

Tim Johnson

Portuguese pride.

Tim Johnson

Tricia Bergeron, former PA Club President and Portuguese Woman of the Year, said the parade and the feast are a huge group effort.

“It’s really about the community, so many of us pitch in to make this possible,” she said.

Ms. Freeman-Miller emphasized that the core of celebration was about community and gratitude.

“It shows our Portuguese heritage to the Island and it’s the culmination of the summer,” she said. “Everything happens, we did the big party last night, so this is kind of like the icing on the cake.”

More Pictures.