Cambridge Portuguese Community Celebrates Portugal Day
Floats, Food, Culture, And A Whole Lot Of Fun
by Thomas Hagey Jun 18, 2009
Portugal Day In Cambridge
Throughout history, the Portuguese proved to be a great nation. They played a major role in the exploration and mapping of the earth's oceans and continents. Ferdinand Magellan was the first person to circumvent the earth.
Portugal Day was extra special this year. It marks the 50th Anniversary of Portuguese immigrants in Cambridge and many of them are still alive and well.
This year's celebration began with a parade which convened at the Galt Arena on Shade St. and made its way around parts of downtown Galt. There was a float with some of the community members that have been here for the full 50 years. But as it is with many cultures, Portuguese youth played an important role in the weekend festivities. It was about family, culture, music and food.
While the parade was making its way through the downtown, a few kilometers away at the Portuguese Club of Cambridge, the kitchen was a flurry of activity and the glorious smells of authentic food from Portugal was everywhere. It was wonderful.
Paprika, olive oil, garlic, bbq-ed chicken, pork and beef stew came gusting in on the wind as I got out of the Cambridge Now car. I was invited in by the friendly kitchen staff... they were only too willing to show me and allow me to sample what the throngs of festival-goers would be enjoying during the afternoon and evening of traditional food and festivities.
While the actual Portugal Day was celebrated on June 10th across the Atlantic, our hard working Portuguese community waited until the weekend to wave their native flags with pride and enthusiasm.
Below: A video of the parade and the people who made the day's activities happen
