On Sunday morning, the Upis Land Band gathered across the street from the Oak Bluffs police department in line with other parade participants. They warmed up their brass instruments by playing the Jaws and Pink Panther themes, while board members from the Portuguese American Club handed out American flags.
The parade set off, cheered on by the Island community as it made its way up Circuit avenue, towards the town cemetery and on to the Portuguese American Club. Joining the parade were Oak Bluffs select board members, a legion of fire engines representing the Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Tisbury and West Tisbury departments and even Chilmark the ox.
The Holy Ghost Society has hosted the parade and related feast, which took place on Saturday evening, for almost a century. The tradition stems from a 13th-century story about Queen Isabella of Portugal. The country was suffering from a famine and she promised the Holy Ghost that if relief arrived she would sell her crown and jewels. Ships laden with meat and bread arrived on the horizon, and the miracle became the basis of the festivities in Oak Bluffs today.
To commemorate the story, young girls carry Queen Isabella’s crown through the town. The Portuguese American Club also serves a soup made with beef broth and bread to celebrate the story and the importance of charity in Azorean culture.
“Bringing the Portuguese culture and traditions is important to make people think about that. The feast is also an Island tradition,” said Bertha Blake, vice president of the Portuguese American Club.
Diane Sullivan attended the parade with her daughter Amanda Murphy and grandchildren, Ella and Finley. The family had come for a day trip to see the beaches and the Flying Horses carousel. Participants in the parade threw candy from the windows of their floats, delighting the kids.
“Pardon the pun, but the parade with the candy was a sweet surprise,” Ms. Sullivan said.
The parade paused at Sacred Heart Cemetery to lay flags and wreaths at graves and at the statue of Jesus Christ. Edgartown police chief Bruce McNamee played Taps and Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.
Eunice Moreis watched the parade with her family. Her husband, Peter “Pop” Moreis, was a Cape Verdean man and member of the Portuguese American Club. His name is part of the altar maintained in the Crown House, where the route ended.
“Everything is beautiful, a regular country parade,” Ms. Moreis said. “It’s a day we all look forward to.”
When the parade ended, The Upis Land Band played a rendition of When The Saints Go Marching In.
Gina deBetterncourt, the PA Club president, then led the crowd in the pledge of allegiance and in prayer.
Pamela Gibson Silvia, the club secretary, sang the American national anthem as volunteers readied bowls of soup behind the counter at Mo’s to feed the hungry masses.
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