Festa 2024 kicks off second day of Portuguese celebration in Ludlow

LUDLOW, Mass. – (WWLP) The 76th annual Festa returned to Ludlow this Thursday.

On Friday, locals kicked off the Labor Day tradition with traditional food and carnival rides.

Each year the festival raises funds for the church, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, and one attraction draws in people from all over New England each year.

“Portuguese food is very simple. Well, it’s very fresh. Very, you know…everything is based on local and fresh food. You have to try the sardines, trust me,” shared Michael Rodrigues, a chef at Festa 2024.

Although sardines are a festival favorite, there are dozens of shares to try from.

Across the five-day festival, special guests will make appearances including performers from Portugal and the ambassador of Portugal to the United States.

For a detailed schedule of Festa 2024, visit the Our Lady of Fatima Parish Facebook page here .

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