Catholic church celebrates Portuguese festival
The Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church celebrated the annual Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on Saturday, which drew a successful turnout from community members and guests from afar.
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church marked the annual Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on Saturday with enthusiasm and participation.
Despite usually being celebrated on Sundays, this tradition garnered a remarkable turnout from the local community members and visitors from neighbouring communities.
In the early afternoon, the church hall buzzed with the chatter of friends and families, who came together to enjoy the savoury delights of Portuguese cuisine.
The local Portuguese community in Springs initiated the festival 39 years ago.
The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, observed on May 13, commemorates the revered apparition of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917 in the village of Fatima, Portugal.
In tribute to Lady Fatima, the church held a solemn mass and procession on May 19, paying homage to the festival’s spiritual significance.
Adding to the ambience, the Rock-a-Tutu dance troupe and the Springs Boys High School band delivered stellar performances, captivating the audience with their talents.
Rancho Casa Dos Poveiros, a folklore dance group from Boksburg, concluded the evening’s entertainment, mesmerising attendees with their traditional dances, further enhancing the cultural richness of the celebration.
