The Annual Great Feast of the Holy Ghost will return to Kennedy Park for a five-day run starting Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026.
According to the Main City Calendar, the festival begins at 6 p.m. on Aug. 26 and concludes at 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30. The city’s schedule lists the event as “Holy Ghost 26” and includes the itinerary for the annual gathering.
Event Details:
- Start: Aug. 26, 2026, at 6 p.m.
- End: Aug. 30, 2026, at 10 p.m.
- Location: Kennedy Park
On the agenda
- Wednesday, August 26th: 6:00 p.m. Event — This event features the recitation of the Rosary, followed by a blessing and the serving of soups in adoration of the Divine Holy Spirit.
- Thursday, August 27th: 4:00 p.m. Event — The food courts open at Kennedy Park to begin the evening’s festivities.
- Thursday, August 27th: 7:00 p.m. Opening — The opening lighting ceremony will take place at Kennedy Park.
- Thursday, August 27th: 7:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m. Entertainment — Live entertainment will perform at Kennedy Park during this time.
- Thursday, August 27th: 11:00 p.m. Closing — The festivities at Kennedy Park will close for the night at this time.
- Friday, August 28th: 4:00 p.m. Event — The food courts will open at Kennedy Park.
- Friday, August 28th: 7:00 p.m. Ceremony — This event marks the entry of the Divine Holy Spirit Officials, alongside the blessing and distribution of the "Pensoes," officiated by religious leaders and accompanied by the Saint Cecilia Philharmonic Band.
- Friday, August 28th: 8:00 p.m. Exhibition — The inauguration of the Azorean Handicraft Exhibitions and Regional Products of the Azores will showcase crafts made by local and Azorean artisans.
- Friday, August 28th: 8:15 p.m. – 10:45 p.m. Entertainment — Live entertainment will perform at the venue.
- Friday, August 28th: 11:00 p.m. Closing — The park’s events will close for the evening at this time.
- Saturday, August 29th: 9:30 a.m. Parade — The "Bodo de Leite" parade and ethnographic display will leave the Gates of the City, proceeding down Columbia and South Main Streets to Kennedy Park, where milk and sweet bread will be distributed.
- Saturday, August 29th: 1:00 p.m. Procession Arrival — The procession arrives at Kennedy Park to kick off the day’s feast festivities.
- Saturday, August 29th: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. TV Show — The TV show "De Ca pra la" will broadcast from Kennedy Park.
- Saturday, August 29th: 6:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m. Entertainment — Live entertainment will perform for attendees.
- Saturday, August 29th: 11:00 p.m. Closing — The park events will close for the night.
- Sunday, August 30th: 12:00 p.m. Mass — A Solemn High Mass will be held at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, celebrated by several visiting and local clergy.
- Sunday, August 30th: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Procession — The Coronation Procession will take place during this block of time.
- Sunday, August 30th: 5:30 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. Entertainment — Attendees can enjoy live entertainment.
- Sunday, August 30th: 10:00 p.m. Closing — The Sunday festivities will close at this time.
- Monday, August 31st: 6:00 p.m. Banquet — The Ending Banquet for the Great Feast will be held at Venus de Milo in Swansea, Massachusetts.