The Portuguese Festival is back and we get the details from Fernando Grilo, president of the Committee that organizes the festival (and President of Uniao dos Clubes Luso Americanos de NJ – association of 13 Portuguese Social Clubs). Fernando is excited that the Portuguese Festival is back on Ferry Street – though not the entire street as it was in past years. The center of festivities will be Peter Francisco Park near Penn Station. Vendors and activities will be at the beginning of Ferry Street and even include Bruen & McWhorter Streets (see map on the right).

The three days of singers, performances, children’s activities and Portuguese food starts Friday June 8th, however you can visit two exhibits that are open during the week – below is a breakdown of scheduled activities.

June 4-10:

Photograph Exhibition at Casa do Ribatejo Social Club is located at 156 Rome. Exhibition of Hand Painted pots and ceramics by local artisans at 158 Ferry Street.

Friday, June 8th:

Festivities kick-off Friday with a concert in Peter Francisco Park by popular Portuguese Folklore singer, Quim Barreiros at 9:30pm.

Saturday, June 9th:

You will find a Sidewalk Sale by Ferry Street businesses. From 12pm-11pm – you will find local DJ’s, dance groups and performances at the Peter Francisco Park stage. At 3pm they will transmitted on a large screen – the Portugal vs. Alemanha game, part of the European Championship Tournament Cup.

Sunday, June 10th:

Sunday morning there will races for adults and children. A 5k race starts at 9am from the Iberia Restaurant Parking Lot ($20 registration day of race) – winners get a mountain bike. You can find the registration form here There are also Kiddie dash starting at 9:45am for children 8 and under. All participants will receive medals.The official Parade starts on Ferry Street at 3pm but there will be performance all day from 12-9pm on the Peter Francisco Park stage. More info can be found at: www.njportuguese.com