New Bedford annual feast expected to boost local economy more than ever this year

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — Not only does the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford bring a sense of culture to the community, it also serves as a large economic driver to small businesses in Southern New England.

John Alves, one of the feast organizers, said it’s expected to be bigger than ever this year after a two year COVID hiatus. This year’s feast is the 106th annual.

Alves said hotels and Airbnbs in the area have been booked out for at least two months in anticipation of this event.

Some of those people, Alves said, are coming in all the way from California, Portugal, and even South Africa.

In addition to boosting local hospitality, all of the decorations and plants you see around the festival grounds are from local farms.