New Bedford Celebrating Cabo Verdean Heritage Month in July

The month of July is Cabo Verdean Heritage Month in New Bedford, as set by the New Bedford City Council earlier this year. It came at the urging of the Cabo Verdean Heritage Coalition, which represents a number of Cape Verdean organizations.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Cabo Verde's independence from Portugal. Coalition founder and internationally-known singer Candida Rose Baptista joined Townsquare Sunday to outline a schedule of events for the month of July, and explain why this anniversary is so important to Cape Verdeans in New Bedford and around the world.

The raising of the Cape Verdean flag outside New Bedford City Hall on June 30 actually kicks off the month-long celebration.

"I believe this 'marriage' between Cabo Verde and the United States began here, in New Bedford," Baptista said. "For the flag to go up, especially on this 50th anniversary, further solidifies our relationship with the U.S., and recognizes the contributions Cape Verdeans have made here for centuries."

There are many Cape Verdean organizations in New Bedford involved in celebrating the 50th anniversary milestone. Those events include the July 2 opening of an exhibit called "Casting a Wider Net" at the Verdean Vets Memorial Hall. The exhibit is on loan from the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, and highlights different ethnic groups involved in the fishing industry, including Cape Verdeans.

On July 4, the Underground Railroad Cafe and the Cape Verdean American Veterans Association are sponsoring a bike ride through the city's Cape Verdean neighborhoods. Registration starts at 9 a.m. at the cafe, located at 213 Acushnet Avenue. The bike ride begins at 10 a.m., with a post-ride celebration starting at 11 a.m. at Hazelwood Park.

The 53rd annual Cape Verdean Recognition Parade is happening Saturday, July 5, stepping off at 11 a.m. from Buttonwood Park. Community Activist John "Buddy" Andrade is the parade marshal. It will be followed by a Kultura Festa at the Serenity Gardens off Bedford Street, featuring music, vendors and cultural foods.

There are many more events scheduled during the month of July.  You can find a list on the Explore New Bedford website.

"We are standing on the shoulders of people who made it possible for us to do all of these things that we're doing," Baptista said. "We can't let that history and culture just fade away."

If you would like your nonprofit organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.