The annual Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres festival was celebrated at the weekend. Hundreds of participants took part yesterday in the annual parade, which began at St Theresa’s Cathedral and proceeded through the City of Hamilton.

Revellers later took to the car park at the Bermuda Athletic Association for traditional Azorean food, entertainment and prize draws. Eddie Medeiros said that he had first come to the event as a child with his family more than three decades ago.

The 37-year-old Smith’s resident was joined at this year’s event by his wife, Katherine, and young daughters, Sienna and Tatiana. Mr Medeiros said that introducing his own young family to the event was a way to “keep the tradition going”.

He added that the event helped to recognise the important contributions the Portuguese people have had on the island.

Mr Medeiros said: “Portuguese played a big part in the Bermudian community.”

He added that the event provided an opportunity for Portuguese community members “and all of Bermuda” to celebrate.

Mrs Medeiros, who said it was her third year coming to the event, said that it was a good way for their children to learn about Portuguese culture.

She said that the food, particularly the malassadas, provide a big pull to getting her back year after year.

Headliners Tony Borges & the Euro Band were supported by performances by Caroline Araujo, Jessica Frias, Sarah Medeiros and Amalia Ponte. Music was also provided by DJ Nelson Pavao.

The celebration, whose title translates to “Festival of the Christ of Miracles”, originated hundreds of years ago on the island of São Miguel, in the Azores. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Portuguese School of Bermuda.