Portuguese Community Celebrates Heritage With Food, Music, Dance and More

Members of Lehigh Valley folk group, Portugal No Coraçao, will perform at this year’s event.

The Lehigh Valley’s Portuguese community will host its 38th annual, family-friendly cultural celebration on Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10 featuring traditional food, music, dance, a parade and more. Indoor and outdoor festivities will take place at Holy Infancy School, Webster Street and the Greenway in South Bethlehem, benefitting the Irmandade da Nossa Senhora de Fatima/Brotherhood of Our Lady of Fatima, a nonprofit organization.

Bethlehem’s Portuguese community began to develop in the early 1900s, attracted by jobs in industries ranging from steel to zink and coal mining. Over time, the Portuguese community has been widely and positively recognized for its cultural impact in sports, cuisine, music, art and the preservation of folklore traditions. Today, thousands of citizens of Portuguese descent contribute to the Lehigh Valley’s diversity, while substantially enhancing the quality of life in the Keystone state.

Antonio Traça, 44, resident of Bethlehem and Assistant Principal at Liberty High School expressed how critical this event is to the Lehigh Valley. “I have been attending this event since I was 7 years old,” said Traça, and he still looks forward to all that the event has to offer. “Portuguese Heritage Day is a time celebrate Portuguese culture – attendees can enjoy music, food and patronage with family and friends. Our community in Bethlehem is so diverse and sharing what we have to offer is our great gift to the community.”

Each year, Pennsylvanians of Portuguese descent set aside this time in tribute to one of Portugal’s most famous poets, Luís Vaz de Camões, whose works earned him widespread reputation as the literary voice of the 16th century Portuguese renaissance.

Starting Friday, June 9, guests can enjoy live entertainment and traditional Portuguese food starting at 6 p.m. The following morning kicks off with a Port of Honor at the Portuguese-American Club on 337 Brodhead Avenue, featuring local city officials, politicians, community representatives and special guests, followed by a flag raising ceremony and parade starting at City Hall on E. Church Street. Morning activities culminate in a day-long celebration with live music, local and regional dance troupes, food, drink and camaraderie in and around Holy Infancy School.

“Portuguese Heritage Day is a beautiful celebration of culture that enhances our Southside of Bethlehem,” said Rev. Andrew Gehringer of Holy Infancy. “All of the delicious food, lively music and connection among friend brings people together and forms deeper bonds in our community. We look forward to seeing friends and families of all-ages on this very special weekend in the Lehigh Valley.”

2017 Event Dates & Times
June 9 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
June 10 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday, June 9 Festivities, Performers & Food
Entertainment includes: DJ Mario, Concertinas of Bethlehem, Liliana Cunha & No Comment
Traditional Portuguese food includes: Bifanas (Pork Cutlet Sandwiches), Filhós (Portuguese Donuts), Frango/Churasco (BBQ Chicken), Sardinhas (Sardines), Fejoada (Portuguese Stew), Bolos de Bacalhao (Codfish Cakes), Regeoins (Fried Pork Belly), Caldo Verde (Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup)

Saturday, June 10 Festivities, Performers & Food
Port of Honor: 9:00 a.m. at Portuguese-American Club, 337 Brodhead Avenue in Bethlehem
Flag Raising and Parade: 10:30 a.m. at Bethlehem City Hall, 10 E. Church Street
Entertainment includes: DJ Mario, Roncos do Diabo, Portugal No Coração, Irish Stars Parker School of Irish Dance, Sound Voyage and more.
Traditional Portuguese food includes: Bifanas (Pork Cutlet Sandwiches), Filhós (Portuguese Donuts), Frango/Churasco (BBQ Chicken), Sardinhas (Sardines), Fejoada (Portuguese Stew), Bolos de Bacalhao (Codfish Cakes), Regeoins (Fried Pork Belly), Caldo Verde (Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup)

Event Admission
Free, for all-ages and backgrounds
Food and drink are available for purchase

About Portuguese Heritage Day
Founded in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1979, Portuguese Heritage Day is a one-of-a-kind celebration recognizing the contributions of Portuguese citizens in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Under the leadership and collaboration of a dedicated planning committee via the Irmandade da Nossa Senhora de Fatima, the event is a culmination of year-round efforts in support of Holy Infancy Parish, and a true display of Portuguese-American patriotism in Southside Bethlehem.