Here is everything you need to know about Fall River’s Great Feast of the Holy Ghost from parking to itinerary

FALL RIVER, MA- The Great Feast of the Holy Ghost will be making its return to Fall River this month. Here is everything you need to know courtesy of the City of Fall River.

The annual celebration kicks off on Wednesday, August 26th, and runs through Sunday, August 30th.

Established in 1986, it has grown into one of the world’s largest Azorean festivals.

Residents should be advised that from Wednesday, August 26th to Sunday, August 30th, there will be road closures and potential delays in streets surrounding the Feast. Special parking permits will be issued by the Fall River Police Department to those who live near Kennedy Park.

Eligible residents for a parking permit are as follows:
●Bradford Avenue (#380 – #651)
●Middle Street (#517 – #685)
●Eagle Street (#289 – #303)
●Fountain Street (#311 – #358)
●Mulberry Street (#358 – #384)
●Division Street (#369, #381, #451 and #509)
The permits will be valid from Thursday, August 27 through Sunday, August 30th. Parking permits will be distributed by the Fall River Police Department on Wednesday August 26th from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the FRPD Mobile Command Post located in upper Kennedy Park. Residents must present their current motor vehicle registration to be issued a permit. Permits will only be given to those with 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. Please see the full itinerary below:

The Great Feast of the Divine Holy Spirit 2026 Itinerary
Wednesday, August 26th:
6:00 p.m.: The recitation of the Rosary following the blessing and serving of the Soups in
Adoration of the Divine Holy Spirit.
Thursday, August 27th:
Location: Kennedy Park, 145 – 199 Bradford Street, Fall River, MA 02721
4:00 p.m.: Food courts open
7:00 p.m.: Opening Lighting at Kennedy Park
7:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.: Live entertainment
11:00 p.m.: Closing
Friday, August 28th:
Location: Kennedy Park, 145-199 Bradford Street, Fall River, MA 02721.
4:00 p.m.: Food courts open
7:00 p.m.: The entry of Divine Holy Spirit Officials, blessing and distributing of the “Pensoes” this ceremony will be officiated by The Rev. Canon Helder Miranda Alexandre and Father Maurice Gauvin. Accompanied by the Saint Cecilia Philharmonic Band.
8:00 p.m.: Inauguration of the Azorean Handicraft Exhibitions and Regional Products of the Azores made by local and Azorean artisans.
8:15 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.: Live entertainment
11:00 p.m.: Closing
Saturday, August 29th:
9:30 a.m.: Parade of the “Bodo de Leite” and Ethnographic Display leaving the Gates of the City, going through Columbia Street and South Main Street in the direction of Kennedy Park, where the milk and sweet bread will be distributed to those present in honor of the Divine Spirit.
1:00 p.m.: The procession will arrive at Kennedy Park around 1:00 p.m. to kick off the feast festivities for the day and will go until 11:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: TV Show “De Ca pra la” at Kennedy Park
6:00 p.m. –10:45 p.m.: Live entertainment
11:00 p.m.: Closing
Sunday, August 30th:
12:00 p.m.: Solemn High Mass at Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, 327 Second Street, Fall River, celebrated by Bishop D. Edgar Cunha, Bishop Cristiano Barbosa and the Rev. Canon Helder Miranda Alexandre, from Terceira, Azores and Father Maurice Gauvin pastor of the Holy Ghost Church in Fall River.
2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.: Coronation Procession
5:30 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.: Live entertainment
10:00 p.m.- Closing
Monday, August 31th:
6:00 p.m.: Ending Banquet at Venus de Milo, 75 Gran Army of the Republic Hwy, Swansea,
MA 0277