Fall River receives praise this week from The New York Times, here’s why

Fall River recently received praise from the New York Times on its culture, art, traditions and food.

According to The Times, the Scholarship City stands out as a vibrant epicenter for Portuguese heritage, blending deep-rooted traditions with innovative expressions.

The city boasts Portugalia, America’s biggest Portuguese goods retailer, which has grown into a massive 20,000-square-foot hub featuring a wine selection, a dedicated salt cod section, a gourmet market, a cozy cafe, and the Artigos shop showcasing sleek contemporary items like ceramics, cork products, artwork, and fabrics from Portugal. Store founder Michael Benevides observes a changing clientele that’s mixing fond memories with fresh outlooks on the culture.

The area pulses with creative energy through events like the Fabric Arts Festival, a four-day celebration from October 9 to 12 that fills the streets with modern Portuguese-inspired art, live music, shows, and design showcases.

Local institutions such as the Fall River Museum of Contemporary Art spotlight works by Portuguese-American creators who reinterpret their background in bold ways, while community mural initiatives—led by arts groups and featuring talents like Kevin Ledo and Diogo Machado—transform classic Portuguese tile designs into striking urban murals.

Even in nearby Providence, Fall River native chef Patrick Lowney draws on his upbringing to infuse Portuguese touches, such as sausage, into the menu at his spot fred.

While Fall River’s vibrant Portuguese culture isn’t new to most of us. It is nice to be recognized on a national stage.

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