The Portuguese culture takes center stage Saturday at the Kauai Museum in Lihue.
Chucky Boy Chock, chair of the Kauai Museum’s first-ever Portuguese Festival, said the event is a resurrection of sorts of cultural celebrations that occurred during the plantation era, when the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society gathered for food, music and dancing.
“We’re going to kick it up again,” Chock said. “Hopefully, this will light the fire for this generation.”
The event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the museum’s courtyard, and will offer guests an opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the Portuguese people.
One of the highlights will be an authentic forno, or Portuguese oven, to bake sweet bread, a treat that accompanies traditional Portuguese dishes.
Guests will also be able to learn about the three cabinet makers who were credited with creating the “jumping flea,” or, as it’s called in Hawaii, the ukulele, according to a release.
Four quarter hinds of beef will be raffled off, in addition to a golf package, Fish Express gift certificates, bottles of Portuguese wine, Kalaheo Steak House dinners and a trip for two donated by Mokihana Tours.
Food served in the museum’s courtyard will include sugar-coated malasadas, sweet bread, spicy Portuguese bean soup, pickled onions, cornmeal and Portuguese sausage. Dancers will provide entertainment and lesson on the history of the ukulele.
Chock said the museum’s mission is to tell the story of all the cultures on Kauai, and that this year’s event will be the start of something truly great.
The Kauai Museum is at 4428 Rice St. Admission is free for kamaaina. Visitor special admission pricing is $8 for adults, $6 seniors (65 and older) and free for children.
For more information, contact the Kauai Museum at 245-6931
