Feast of the Holy Ghost Celebrated in Oak Bluffs
Chefs Dylan Estrella and Brian Patrick Hall prepared their first sopa for the festival.
Chefs Dylan Estrella and Brian Patrick Hall prepared their first sopa for the festival.
Auctioneer Mike Delis and Crystal Roy got the crowds excited.
Auctioneer Mike Delis and Crystal Roy got the crowds excited.
Craig Edwards and John Magnuson prepare popular fried dough.
Craig Edwards and John Magnuson prepare popular fried dough.
Roy Scheffer, Association president Tricia Bergeron, and Paul Bangs serve up oysters.
Roy Scheffer, Association president Tricia Bergeron, and Paul Bangs serve up oysters.
Shish kebabs on the grill were prepared the Santos family way.
Shish kebabs on the grill were prepared the Santos family way.
Marchers waited for a passing heavy shower before marching through Oak Bluffs.
Marchers waited for a passing heavy shower before marching through Oak Bluffs.
Deacon Fred LaPiana crowns Emma Williamson. Mia Jeffers looks on as Father Augustine Bangalie gives blessing.
Deacon Fred LaPiana crowns Emma Williamson. Mia Jeffers looks on as Father Augustine Bangalie gives blessing.
Oak Bluffs selectmen marched in parade.
Oak Bluffs selectmen marched in parade.
A brief moment to remember, pay respects at cemetery before continuing to march back to the club.
A brief moment to remember, pay respects at cemetery before continuing to march back to the club.
Portuguese folk dancers from New Bedford took to the streets.
Portuguese folk dancers from New Bedford took to the streets.
New Bedford musicians entertained crowd with traditional Portuguese music.
New Bedford musicians entertained crowd with traditional Portuguese music.
For some, the Feast of the Holy Ghost is a poignant reminder of Azorean Portuguese history, and a chance for to celebrate multiple generations of Islanders who have shared in that heritage of preparing food for the feast. For others, it is a spiritual event, one that honors 13th century Portuguese Queen Isabella, who legend has it offered up her crown as thanks for the Holy Ghost saving the famine-ravished poor. And still for others, the event is primarily a fundraiser, an opportunity to raise money for the Holy Ghost Associations’ many causes while enjoying music and food.
Read more about the festivities in the article With Crown, Food and Parade, Feast of Holy Ghost Celebrates Community Coming Together