Portuguese traditions light up WaterFire

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - WaterFire Providence is one of the biggest events to hit the city this summer. Although the lighting is the main attraction, there are many other activities for families to enjoy that include food, music, and dancing.

The 35th Day of Portugal Celebration in Rhode Island is on June 10 to honor Portugal and the death of Luís Vaz de Camões, who was one of the greatest poets in Portuguese culture.

The kick off to the Day of Portugal Celebration and WaterFire will begin on the basin stage in front of Water Place Park with live music and folklore dancing at 8:00 p.m. and continue with a special torch procession at the beginning of WaterFire with 16 Portuguese dignitaries from the local community.

Bronwyn Dannenfelser, Director of Resource Development for WaterFire Providence said, “We were so excited when Day of Portugal came to us and asked us to help them kickoff their celebrations.”

“It has been a dream for us to participate in WaterFire. It’s such a spectacular event. The Portuguese have been a part of this community, there are 10% of us, 100,000 of us and we hope they are all going to come out and cheer in the Portuguese pride,” said Marie Fraley Fundraising Chair & Former President, Day of Portugal Celebrations RI.

Fraley explained the importance of having Portuguese dancing included in the celebrations for the Day of Portugal.

“Dancing was the way people enjoyed themselves and socialized before the time of technology, television, and computers. The more jewelry and ornately costumed the dancers are, the higher up they are in social status. Their costumes represent different populations and status of the community.”

The torch procession will be composed of the past and present Day of Portugal. The procession will end up at the Bank of American Skating Rink, where there will be food and popular entertainers until 11:00 p.m.