Welcome to this most festive time of the year on Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford’s North End! This December, the New Bedford TDI Partnership community is alive with events, celebrations, and initiatives that highlight the vibrancy, history, and future of this unique neighborhood. From stunning light shows to cultural festivities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
St. Anthony of Padua Church has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood surrounding Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford’s North End since it was built over a century ago. Legendarily, the imposing and iconic building was constructed thanks to small donations from parishoners of French-Canadian heritage.
Today, St. Anthony’s still serves that Franco-American cohort, but also boasts a parish that includes a great many of the city’s newer residents of Hispanic origin, specifically from Central America. A church fete these days is as likely to include French meat pies as it is to boast a Guatemalan-style carne asada!
This potent mix of long-time congregants and newcomers has helped the church remain a potent force in the community. It is, of course, a house of worship and faith, but it’s also a vital community hub.
Very special events during the month of December highlight the role St. Anthony of Padua Church has played in the past, at the present, and into the future. Like Dickens’ Ghosts of Christmas, each has a unique story to tell about not only the church, but where we are as a society here in New Bedford.
Experience the Magic: Art and Light at St. Anthony of Padua Church
Saturday, December 7 | 5:00 PM
Immerse yourself in a dazzling 3-D Light Show inside St. Anthony of Padua Church, presented by Broken Glass Projection Mapping and local artist Nelson Rapoza. This cutting-edge art form will transform the historic church into a luminous masterpiece, blending vivid visuals and music. The event is free and open to the public, offering an unforgettable evening of creativity. Find out more here.
St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Ave.
Celebrate History: “The French in New Bedford” Book Launch
Saturday, December 14 | 10:30 AM
Join Spinner Publications for a special book signing of The French in New Bedford: The Early Years by Alfred H. Saulniers. Discover the rich history of New Bedford’s French-Canadian community, including the story of St. Anthony of Padua Church’s construction over a century ago. Enjoy light refreshments with a French twist and explore the neighborhood’s heritage. Find out more here.
St. Anthony of Padua Church
A Weekend of Celebration
Saturday, December 21 | 6:00 PM
Pageant – The Birth of Jesus Christ
The youth of St. Anthony’s and Immaculate Conception Church bring the Nativity story to life. This heartwarming re-enactment is more than a performance—it’s a prayer for love, peace, and joy for all.
Immaculate Conception Church – School Auditorium, 136 Earle St.
Sunday, December 22 | 3:00 PM
Christmas Concert: Spirit of St. Anthony Choir
Celebrate the season with a beautiful concert featuring the Spirit of St. Anthony Choir and guest performers, including the Briarwood Ensemble. Sing along to your favorite carols and enjoy refreshments afterward. Donations will support the historic pipe organ restoration.
St. Anthony of Padua Church
Shop Small, Shop The Ave
Support local businesses this holiday season! Acushnet Avenue offers a treasure trove of eateries, shops, and services. For example, bring your list to retailers such as The Glass Slipper or pick up gift cards from local restaurants. Also, visit any of the district’s personal service businesses to get holiday-ready. (This writer will look good for all the merry parties thanks to the helping hands at 787 BarberShop – big supporters of Love The Ave and experts with a pair of scissors. )
Almost all delicious eateries on Acushnet Avenue and throughout the greater New Bedford TDI Partnership area offer gift cards – especially helpful for those hard to buy for folks in your life. Grab lunch or dinner for yourself while you’re there making your purchase!
Whatever you choose to buy or share this holiday season, do it with Love The Ave in your heart! Shopping small strengthens our community, so make The Ave your destination this December.
Brick by Brick: Support the Cape Verdean Cultural Center
We’re thrilled to see the progress at Island Park and also the immense strides toward building out the Cape Verdean Cultural Center in the former Strand Theater at 1157 Acushnet Avenue. The autumn of 2024 saw a surge of activity, both in the park adjacent to the building and on the facade of the building itself.
Here’s how you can help support this amazing project:
Be a part of history by supporting the Cape Verdean Cultural Center at the former Strand Theater. The Brick Pavers Campaign allows you to engrave a personal message on a brick that will become a permanent part of the center.
To purchase a brick, email emiranda@waterfrontleague.org
$200 per brick | Campaign ends February 28, 2025
Help build a future rooted in the rich heritage of the Cape Verdean community!
This December, make it a point to explore the stories, traditions, and innovations shaping Acushnet Avenue. Whether you’re soaking in the light shows, delving into history, or lending your support to meaningful projects, let’s come together to create A December to Remember on The Ave.
Happy Holidays from everyone at New Bedford TDI Partnership!
NOTE: As we were preparing this newsletter word arrived that our partners at New Bedford Creative have extended the deadline for their grant programs Wicked Cool Places and Art is Everywhere! The new deadline to submit is by 11:59 pm on Monday, January 6, 2025. It had previously been Dec. 3. So get those North End and Acushnet Avenue projects off the drawing board! (Or wherever you may be in the City of New Bedford.)
Art is Everywhere! supports projects that address pressing issues faced by New Bedford’s residents, visitors, and businesses, utilizing arts, culture, or creative approaches to create meaningful solutions in the city’s neighborhoods.
Wicked Cool Places supports projects that create or sustain vibrant, welcoming spaces that attract activity and foster community involvement, benefiting New Bedford’s residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
Find out more AT THIS LINK.