biggest event of the Portuguese cultural and religious calendar.

The Portuguese community was celebrating the Festa do Senor Santo Cristo -- the Festival of the Lord Christ.

It was the 24th annual observance of the festival in Bermuda.

"We're trying to bring some Portuguese tradition back,'' said Joe Benevides, vice president of the Portuguese Association.

The origin of the festival dates back to the 1700s in the Azores where it is still a huge holiday. Two sisters wanting to set up a convent in the Azores went to Rome to receive the Pope's permission. The Pope presented them with a statue of Christ which was placed in the Villa Franca do Campo when the sisters returned to the Azores and later moved to Ponta Delgada where it remains to this day.

Yesterday afternoon members of the Portuguese community took part in a procession from St. Theresa's Cathedral to the BAA field accompanied by the Bermuda Regiment Band.

Young children, dressed as angels, headed the procession and took up the rear, while the men wore red capes.

The festival is always held on the fifth Sunday after Easter.

At the BAA field a slew of activities took place including traditional dancing, raffles and music.

Many of the young people at the field were oblivious to the day's religious significance.

"I'm not even Portuguese,'' said one young man who did not want to be named.

"I'm just here for the food, the beer and the nice-looking women.'' CLUB CLB