Scenes from the 35th Annual International Festival

With the sky clear and the weather hot for a day in September, the 35th Annual International Festival was busy with long lines of people and live music filling the air. As someone who has never experienced this event, I grabbed my camera and forced my friend to meet up with me. Once I arrived, the opening band, called the Banda Recreativa Portuguesa, had already started their performance on the Peabody Square stage. Their last song featured a saxophone solo played by Peabody High student Kyle Sousa.

While starting my trek through crowds, there was one specific place that seemed to be the most busy. It was Escola Portuguesa De Peabody, which offered various traditional Portuguese foods that seemed appealing due to the long line of people waiting.

(People waiting to be served at Escola Portuguesa De Peabody)

As the line for slush grew longer, people continued their walk up and down the street, listening to more of the live music. This time, a band of two Irish musicians called Belclare were performing on the Main Street stage. Each of their songs had a specific historical background, which they described to the audience before each one.

(Belclare performing one of their Irish songs)

After Belclare, the Mamadou Band took the stage playing various songs and instruments that could be heard throughout the whole festival.

(The Mamadou Band)

At around 2:00 PM, the Festival’s official ceremony started at the Peabody Square stage near City Hall. Tom Gould welcomed everyone and introduced Neil Sherman, who would be performing the National Anthem.

(Police saluting the flag during the National Anthem)

(Mr. Gould introducing more staff during the ceremony)

Along with Portuguese food, one tent had fresh sushi from Maki, a restaurant in Peabody Square. Onlookers could watch what they would be eating being made.

(Sushi being made)

Peabody High School clubs also made appearances at the festival. This included DECA, Culinary Arts, and Football and Cheer Boosters. Representatives for the clubs sold different candy and drinks to help raise money for their club.

(DECA’s table)

(The Culinary Arts’ table)

(Peabody Football Boosters and Cheer Boosters’ table)

Another event for visitors at the festival was the art show. Many paintings were on display, including some that won first, second, and third place in the competition.

(People visiting the art show)

The second-to-last performance on the Main Street stage was the Beatles tribute by Studio Two. Many adults gathered around the stage to go back in time and listen to classic songs from their time.

At 3:15 on the Peabody Square stage, a very unique group of musicians performed called Passion East Productions. Before they started, Mr. Gould announced to the crowd that they have played for many famous people including Hillary Clinton and Nelson Mandela.

(Passion East Productions performing)

Overall, the 35th Annual International Festival was packed with people over the five hours. Many other musicians and bands performed and their names can be seen on the entertainment schedule pictured below.

(Entertainment schedules of each stage at the International Festival)