Experience the World Through Festivals in Worcester, MA
Visitors don’t have to travel far to get a taste of the diverse cultures that exist right here in Worcester, MA. During the summer, community events highlight different cultural traditions, inviting people to sample international cuisine, listen to various musical genres and compete in global games. Here’s a look at some of the great festivals in Worcester.
ANNUAL SUMMER GOSPEL FEST: Held for nine years running, the Annual Summer Gospel Fest was founded by Michelle Memnon of Spiritually Fabulous. Taking place in the historic Worcester City Hall Common, the festival features gospel music alongside food and merchandise vendors. A family-friendly event meant to bring together people of all backgrounds, the Gospel Fest is a fun summer event for all.
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN CARNIVAL: On the last Sunday of each August, Worcester’s Main Street takes on the festive garb of a Caribbean carnival. The Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association started the festival to help highlight and preserve Caribbean traditions with food, music and dance. Beginning at Worcester City Hall and Commons, the festival culminates in a parade along Main Street.
BRAZILIAN FESTIVAL OF WORCESTER: For one day each September, Institute Park is filled with the sights and sounds of Brazilian culture. The festival, which offers free admission, brings people together to enjoy traditional Brazilian foods, along with vendors selling handcrafted art. Music and dance are a staple of the event, which has plenty to offer for kids and adults alike.
ITALIAN FESTIVAL: Hosted by Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish, the Italian Festival in August is open to members of the parish and the surrounding community to experience Italian culture together. A bounce house will keep kids entertained while adults try out the abundance of food prepared by local restaurants and parishioners, with Italian wine to top everything off.
IRISH CULTURAL FESTIVAL: In March, the Worcester AOH and Ladies AOH hold the annual Worcester Irish Festival, an all day indoor festival with music, food, pints and more. In October, the Worcester Irish Cultural Festival (501c3) brings together all facets of Irish Culture, including dance, music, food, storytelling, and Gaelic football and hurling right on the field at Polar Park.
GRECIAN FESTIVAL & ALBANIAN FESTIVAL: Depending on the year, you can get a taste of either Greek or Albanian culture in Worcester in June. The Albanian Festival takes the odd years, while the Grecian Festival is held on even years. Come to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral to taste hand-made baklava during the Grecian Festival or enjoy a kebab during the Albanian Festival at St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church.
The list of festivals in Worcester is endless. Other festivals to put on your radar are the Juneteenth Festival in June; Latin American Festival, India Day and African Festival in August; and Armenian Festival and Pride Festival in September.
New Festival Spotlight
What do baseball and poetry have in common? For Steven Biondolillo, founder of the National Baseball Poetry Festival in Worcester, both have been central in some of his most pivotal life experiences.
Growing up in New York City in the 1960s, a passion and talent for baseball was what gained Biondolillo entrance into social groups at a time when he needed it most. It would take another few decades for poetry to enter the picture; a lightbulb moment while reading the baseball poem “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Thayer sparked the idea of starting his own festival to celebrate art and sports.
Held annually at Polar Park in Worcester, the National Baseball Poetry Festival welcomes poets, athletes and everyone in between to participate in a celebration of baseball and poetry, with poetry readings and baseball games held side by side. Worcester was an ideal location for the festival thanks to its beloved baseball heritage, represented today by its WooSox and Bravehearts.
“What makes Worcester the best place in the nation to host the official poetry festival of the national pastime is its leadership, openness to new and creative ideas, and collaborative spirit,” Biondolillo says.
With April being National Poetry Month, the National Baseball Poetry Festival serves as its perfect counterpart. Baseball fans and art admirers span a wide demographic, all of whom gather in celebration of a national pastime.
“National Baseball Poetry Festival is almost uniquely capable of building connectivity and goodwill among our various populations right here in town,” Biondolillo says.
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