22nd Onset Cape Verdean Festival: Culture, Tradition and History in the Spotlight - Report from Wareham Weekly
The annual Cape Verdean festival in Onset, Massachusetts in the United States, in honor of Cape Verdean culture and tradition, will take place on August 10, with music, typical food and the presence of the historic ship Ernestina-Morrissey.
According to a report published by Wareham Weekly, twenty-three years ago, a young group set out to tell a story never before told in Onset, Massachusetts — the story of Cape Verdean culture and tradition.
Since then, thousands of people from across the United States have flocked to Onset for its annual Cape Verdean festival each summer.
“We do it basically in honor of our ancestors,” Tiny Lopes told Wareham Weekly, who manages public relations for the festival.
Now, the festival approaches its 22nd edition, which on Saturday, August 10, will continue to share the history and culture of Cape Verdeans in the United States.
This year, a historic ship, the Ernestina-Morrissey, will be docked at Onset Pier. According to Lopes, the ship transported many Cape Verdeans from the islands to the United States.
According to Lopes, Cape Verdeans often call the Ernestina "our ship".
The Ernestina-Morrissey will be moved from its current berth in New Bedford to Onset, where festival attendees will be able to board and take a free tour, according to Lopes.
Not only will festival attendees get a slice of Cape Verdean history, but Onset will be immersed in cultural food and music during the festival.
“We just share with each other and it’s a big family gathering,” Lopes said.
The festival will bring 90 vendors to Onset Bay, including 20 different food vendors.
“People love Cape Verdean food,” said Lopes.
Food items at the festival will include favorites like a Cape Verdean rice and bean dish called jag, a fish dish called cod, and sausage, according to Lopes.
The festival will feature Ze Rui, an artist who lives in Cape Verde and will come to Onset to perform traditional Cape Verdean music. Candida Rose, a New Bedford-based musician who performs music inspired by Cape Verde, is also scheduled to perform with several guest artists.
This year's festival will take place on Saturday, August 10, from 12pm to 6pm. If necessary, the rain date will be Sunday, August 11th.
Entry to the festival is free. Parking will be available at Campo de Lopes for $10 on the day and a shuttle will run between the field and the festival area from 11am to 7pm.
“Come sit and listen to the music and meet and greet old friends,” Lopes said.
