The Portuguese-American Club invites the community to its annual Feast of the Holy Ghost, a lively two-day celebration honoring Portuguese heritage, food, music, and tradition. Festivities begin Saturday at 5 PM at the PA Club with a community BBQ dinner, drinks, live music, dancing, and family-friendly fun until 10 PM.

Guests can enjoy delicious Portuguese cuisine, kids’ games, and plenty of merrymaking as the community gathers to celebrate a vibrant cultural tradition. On Sunday, the celebration continues with the annual parade stepping off at 11:30 AM from the Oak Bluffs Steamship Terminal and winding through town. The procession features folklore dancers and the Baystate Marching Band, bringing music and color to the streets of Oak Bluffs. The festivities conclude back at the PA Club with the traditional blessing of Queen Isabella’s crown and more joyful gathering. The Island’s Feast of the Holy Ghost dates back to 1928 and has been celebrated annually since the 1920s, when Azorean immigrants began the tradition to stay connected to their homeland. The celebration itself traces its roots to the 13th century, inspired by the story of Queen Isabel of Portugal. According to legend, during a time of famine she vowed to sell her crown and jewels if the Holy Spirit helped her people. On Pentecost, ships filled with bread and meat arrived, and she shared the bounty with the community—an act of generosity that continues to inspire the Feast today.