Detailed event schedule, parking permits, road closures, released for The Great Feast of the Holy Ghost in Fall River

The Great Feast of the Holy Ghost is returning to Fall River this month at Kennedy Park. The annual celebration will commence on Wednesday, August 21st and conclude on Monday, August 26th. 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.

The following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic during the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost: 

• Thursday, August 22, 2024, 5:00pm-11:30pm Bradford Avenue and Middle Street (between South Main Street and Broadway) Friday, August 23, 2024, 5:00pm-11:30pm Bradford Avenue and Middle Street (between South Main Street and Broadway) 

• Saturday, August 24, 2024, 8:00am-11:30pm Bradford Avenue and Middle Street (between South Main Street and Broadway) 

• Sunday, August 25, 2024, 10:00am-10:30pm Bradford Avenue and Middle Street (between South Main Street and Broadway) 

Veterans Memorial Drive and Russ Gibson Blvd will remain closed for the entirety of the feast. 

Police Chief Paul Gauvin has authorized the issuance of “Special Parking Permits” for the 2024 Great Feast of the Holy Ghost. The permits will be valid from Thursday August 22, 2024 through Sunday, August 25, 2024. Eligible residents are as follows: 

• Bradford Avenue (#380-#651) 

• Middle Street (#517-#685) 

• Eagle Street (#289 and #303) 

• Fountain Street (#311 and #358) 

• Mulberry Street #358-#384) 

• Division Street (#369,#381,#451 and #509) 

Parking permits will be distributed by the Fall River Police Department on Wednesday August 21, 2024, from 2:00pm – 6:00pm at the FRPD Mobile Command Post located in upper Kennedy Park, adjacent to the Federal Little League field. 

Residents MUST present their current motor vehicle registrations to be issued a permit. Permits will only be given to those with MV registrations that reflect vehicles registered to the above addresses.

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 with vendors also on site. Please see the itinerary below:

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

5:00 pm- Recitation of the Rosary following the Soups in Adoration of the Divine Holy Spirit

Thursday, August 22, 2024 (Youth Night)

7:00pm – Opening Lighting at Kennedy Park

7:00pm-7:30pm: Nathan Pimentel

7:30pm-8pm: Sabrina

8pm- 8:15pm: YaBoi Loco

8:15pm- 8:30pm: Dimanne

8:30pm-9pm: XAXA

9pm-9:30pm: Peter Vieira

9:30pm-10:45pm: Band Inc.

Program for Friday, August 23, 2024

7:00 pm – Entry of the Badges of the Divine Holy Spirit, Blessing and distribution of Pensions

MUSIC: by the Philharmonic Lira Nossa Our Lady Star of Candelaria, São Miguel, Azores.

8:00pm- Inauguration of the Azorean Handicraft Exhibitions and Regional Products of the Azores of the responsibility of artisans from the Azores and locals.

8:00-8:30pm: Leaflets of the Holy Spirit: Leaflets of Our Lady of the Rosary of Providence Church.

8:30-9pm: Amigos Açoreanos de Somerset

9-9:30pm-: Jessica Amaro (Canada)

9:30-10pm: Emily (California)

10-10:45pm: Legacy

11:00pm: Closing

Saturday, August 24, 2024

9:30 AM Dairy Goat Procession and Ethnographic Parade: Exit City Gates, march down Columbia Street and South Main Street, towards Kennedy Park, where milk and sovada will be distributed to all attendees “In Praise of the Divine”

Closing of the Milk Goat with the Philharmonic of the East Star of Algarvia, São Miguel, Azores.

Music and folklore festival:

2:00- 2:30pm: Rancho Folclórico do Cranston Portuguese Club

2:30-3:00pm: Azorean Cultural Society Folk Ranch

3:00-3:30pm: Fishtail Village Sea & Land Pantry USA

3:30-5:00pm: Folk Music – Various Groups 5:00-6:00 PM Packets

6:00 – 7:15pm: Concert by St. Cecilia Philharmonic – USA

7:15- 8:30pm: Concert by the Philharmonic Lyra Our Lady Star of Candelaria, São Miguel, Azores.

8:45 -9:05pm: Nelson Rego

9:05 – 9:45pm: Promix

9:45-10:45pm: Nelia

11:00pm: Closing

Sunday, August 25, 2024

12:00pm: Solemn Mass of the Crowning at Santo Christo Church at 240 Columbia Street.

2:00pm: Crowning Procession

5:00-6:15pm: Concert by St. Anthony Philharmonic – USA

6:15-7:30pm: Concert by the Philharmonic of the East Star of Algarvia, São Miguel, Azores.

7:15-8pm: Jessica Amaro

8:30-9:45pm: Joey Medeiros

10:00pm: Closing

Monday, August 26, 2024

Jantar de Encerramento das Grandes Festas. Closing Banquet of the Great Feast at 6:00pm at White’s of Westport