Imperio Mariense De Saugus 2023

The weekend rains didn’t keep the crowds away from this longtime Saugus festival that was imported from Portugal

By Laura Eisener

The Imperio Mariense festival carried on July 1 and 2 despite the challenges of rainy weather. It was started in 1927, a custom that stems from the island of Santa Maria in the Azores of Portugal. Local Saugus families bought the land and held the festival every year except for a break during COVID, as many traditional gatherings did. People come from all over Massachusetts and other New England states. On Saturday, there was a concert with lively music and during the day a bouncy castle set up against the towering backdrop of trees entertained a lot of kids. Feasting was continuous, with the malassadas stand serving up pastries, such as rosas and malassadas (a very tasty version of fried dough), barbecue, ice cream, popcorn and lots of other treats being served through the weekend. After mass in the new chapel on Sunday, a procession bore impressive loaves of Portuguese sweet bread to the gazebo, where they were cut and given out to those waiting in line.

Inside, there was a lunch of traditional Portuguese soup served at long tables. This was free, part of a tradition of giving back to the community, although donations were gratefully accepted. The event is put on by donors and volunteers, with a few businesses also contributing to the festivities. Many people who had been coming for years were excited to see the new chapel and the professional stage.

Selectman Deb Panetta was among those who volunteered to serve lunch, and she was kept hopping for many hours! “Beautiful mass, delicious food, great entertainment, and wonderful people at the Portuguese Festival in Saugus. I was honored to take part in their parade and help out during the day,” Selectman Panetta said.

“Everyone was given a free lunch consisting of a bread soup, with cabbage and meat. They also served red wine and ginger ale, and gave out Portuguese bread, which is my favorite,” she said. “Although the day was filled with heavy rain, that didn’t stop people from enjoying the day. Everyone was in good spirits and happy to take part in the Festival. Walter Sousa, the President of Imperio Mariense De Saugus, and Filomena Fitch, Vice President, do a phenomenal job coordinating this event. They make everyone feel like family!

Saugonian Rosemary Verderico grew up in the Fellsway neighborhood and was at the event on Sunday with a friend from her present neighborhood near Saugus Center. Rosemary said she would always attend the event as a child, although the festival does not seem to be well known in Saugus outside the Fellsway area.

Drenching rain at several points, especially on Sunday, left a few of the celebrants drenched, but it didn’t dampen their spirits.