It’s no secret to locals that Fall River is rich with Portuguese traditions, flavors, and festas that bring the community together year after year. But now, the rest of the world is catching on—thanks to a recent feature in Condé Nast Traveler, one of the leading voices in luxury travel.
A City with Deep Roots in Portugal
In an installment of their series A Place at the Table, the magazine spotlighted Fall River’s thriving Portuguese community, noting that nearly half of the city’s population has ties to the Azores. It’s no wonder some affectionately refer to Fall River as “the tenth island” of the Azores.
From the aroma of grilled chouriço drifting through parish feast processions, to family bakeries serving up golden malassadas, Portuguese heritage is woven into daily life here. As the article points out, visitors can wander through our bakeries, markets, and restaurants and feel transported across the Atlantic.
Where Tradition Meets the Table
Writer Nathan Tavares (a Somerset native with deep Fall River roots) gave readers a tour of the city’s culinary gems, beginning with the lively summer festas like the Feast of St. Michael’s and the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost. These community celebrations overflow with music, dancing, and favorite dishes like bifanas, fava beans, caçoila, and, of course, fresh-fried malassadas.
But the love for Portuguese food extends far beyond festival season. Year-round, visitors can explore staples like Portugalia Marketplace, with its gleaming displays of salt cod, imported cheeses, and wines that draw customers from across New England. Local favorites such as Sagres Restaurant and The Clipper also earned well-deserved nods, serving everything from comforting Portuguese steak to shrimp Mozambique that rivals any coastal café in Lisbon.
Landmarks of Culture
Portuguese influence in Fall River isn’t only found on the plate. The City Gates Plaza—modeled after the medieval gates of Ponta Delgada in the Azores—stands as a proud monument to the community’s heritage. These cultural touchstones create the perfect backdrop for visitors eager to explore the stories and traditions that make Fall River so unique.
The Sweet Side of Fall River
No Portuguese journey would be complete without dessert. Malassadas—pillowy, sugar-dusted fried dough with a hint of lemon zest—earned their own spotlight. As Condé Nast Traveler notes, there’s no avoiding the powdered sugar mustache, but it’s all part of the experience. For many, Barcelos Bakery on Bedford Street is the go-to spot for this irresistible treat.
Experience It for Yourself
While it’s exciting to see Fall River’s Portuguese culture celebrated on an international platform, the best way to understand it is to experience it in person. Whether you time your visit with a summer feast or spend an afternoon exploring our bakeries, restaurants, and markets, you’ll quickly discover why Fall River has become a destination for food lovers and cultural explorers alike.
So come hungry, bring your sense of adventure, and let Fall River welcome you to the table.