Cape Verdean Recognition Day Parade Canceled Due to COVID-19

A New Bedford tradition for almost 48 years has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This parade is an annual celebration of one of the most beloved cultures here on the SouthCoast. The parade usually begins near Buttonwood Park and makes its way through downtown New Bedford. The food, dancing, and music of the Cape Verdean community is fun and uplifting. The amazing colors of the parade are always my favorite part.

This year's celebration was supposed to take place on Sunday, July 5, but has been now been canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Cape Verdean Recognition Committee said that the "cancellation was necessary to prioritize the health and safety of our participants, vendors and our committee members”.

There were other events leading up to the celebration including a gala celebration to honor John Cruz III that was slated for late March and was initially postponed and then canceled.

This is just the latest of the many events that have been canceled due to the pandemic. There are hopes that some events scheduled for the fall may be able to still happen but with precautions put in place.

Do you know anyone that was supposed to be in the parade? I know I'm going to miss the amazing Cape Verdean food that they offer.