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BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Portuguese community in festive spirits

Lisa Simpson
Updated: May 07, 2018 09:54 AM
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Venerating Christ: Bermuda’s Portuguese community — and their friends of all persuasions — turned out for the Azorean festival of Santo Cristo, which included a procession from St Theresa’s Roman Catholic Cathedral to the BAA field (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)

Bermuda’s community came together for the annual Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres festival this weekend.

Hundreds of revellers took to the streets — and Bermuda Athletics Association — to participate in the religious celebration of Jesus Christ.

Richard Ambrosio, deputy chairman of the Portuguese Cultural Association, said: “Santo Cristo itself is a very old festival that dates back to the 1700s in the Azores.”

He explained that people from the Azores took the tradition, which involves the veneration of the image of Christ, in their own diaspora.

Mr Ambrosio added that the celebration had become an important date in the calendar. The two days of festivities began with a mass on Saturday, followed by a concert headlined by Portuguese singer José Malhoa at BAA. Sunday’s celebrations continued with a church service at St Theresa’s Cathedral and a parade through Hamilton carrying a statue of Jesus.

Revellers then moved to BAA, where the festivities continued with more music, raffles and Portuguese food for sale.

Gloria Tucker joined in the festivities to enjoy the atmosphere. She said: “This is the second time I’ve seen it. I really enjoy the way they get together, participate and march.”

Ms Tucker said the procession through Hamilton was “beautiful — especially the young people that took part”.

The event, organised by Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese Cultural Association and the Santo Cristo Committee, raised funds for the Portuguese School and the Portuguese Pastoral Council of the Catholic Diocese.

Bermuda’s Portuguese community — and their friends of all persuasions — turned out for the Azorean festival of Santo Cristo which included a procession from St Theresa’s Roman Catholic Cathedral to the Bermuda Athletic Association field yesterday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Bermuda’s Portuguese community — and their friends of all persuasions — turned out for the Azorean festival of Santo Cristo which included a procession from St Theresa’s Roman Catholic Cathedral to the Bermuda Athletic Association field yesterday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Bermuda’s Portuguese community — and their friends of all persuasions — turned out for the Azorean festival of Santo Cristo which included a procession from St Theresa’s Roman Catholic Cathedral to the Bermuda Athletic Association field yesterday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Bermuda’s Portuguese community — and their friends of all persuasions — turned out for the Azorean festival of Santo Cristo which included a procession from St Theresa’s Roman Catholic Cathedral to the Bermuda Athletic Association field yesterday (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)