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If you enjoy Portuguese food and entertainment, the Imperio Mariense Feast will be held this weekend, beginning tomorrow (Saturday, July 4) and concluding on Sunday (July 5th) at 262 Lynn Fells Parkway, Saugus.
The feast is an annual Portuguese cultural celebration which will be celebrating its 99th year, honoring the Divino Espírito Santo (Holy Ghost) tradition brought from the Azores in 1927. The event is being organized by the Imperio Mariense de Saugus, a non-profit group dedicated to preserving Azorean heritage through music, food, and community events.
The feast draws Portuguese natives or descendants from all over Massachusetts. Saugus selectmen granted organizers a temporary liquor license so guests can be served from 3 pm to Midnight on July 4 and from 11 am to 9 pm on July 5.
Imperio Mariense is the annual feast held in Saugus to celebrate the coronation of the Holy Ghost emperor and empress. Custom starts with a procession, followed by mass and coronation before the Holy Ghost soup lunch. The Holy Ghost celebration is specific to Azorean natives, established to reinforce a sense of community between the islands.
The two-day event is free and the entertainment features folkloric dance groups, live bands and cultural performances. The traditional Portuguese food includes malassadas, bifanas, iscas de fígado, and favas.
