Maria (center) at the table with Brian, Anna, Idalina, and Derek (l-r)
Fall River, Massachusetts, located on the Taunton River, has a rich history of industry and immigration. During the 19th century, the city was a hub for textile manufacturing, attracting immigrants from all over the world, including a large Portuguese population from the island of São Miguel in the Azores. By the 20th century, Portuguese immigrants had become an integral part of the city’s economy and culture, opening businesses and establishing a vibrant community. Today, Fall River remains one of the largest Portuguese-American communities in the country, with Portuguese-owned businesses and restaurants still thriving along Columbia Street and throughout the city.
Maria explores the thriving Portuguese community in Fall River, Massachusetts, also known as the “10th Azorean Island.” She visits Michael’s Provisions, a Portuguese-owned sausage-making business, and learns about the differences between chouriço and linguica. The episode also features a visit to Sagres, one of the oldest running Portuguese-owned restaurants in the state, where the host tries various Portuguese dishes.
Derek and Brian in costume making Maria laugh!
The episode also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of the Portuguese community, featuring a visit with the Portuguese Kids, an internationally known comedy duo. They discuss their experience growing up as Portuguese Americans and the challenges faced by first-generation immigrants. They also showcase their online shopping portal that sells a variety of Portuguese products.
Maria talks about growing up as an immigrant with Anna and Idalina while cooking moios.
The importance of family and tradition in the Portuguese culture is also emphasized in the episode. The host visits Derek’s mother Anna and makes a special dish from Santa Maria, one of the Azores islands, with the recipe passed down from her mother. Through exploring the success of Portuguese immigrants and their businesses in Fall River, the episode also showcases the challenges faced by immigrants and the importance of preserving cultural traditions.
- Episode 3 People and Places
- Micheals Provisions, Website https://michaelsprovision.com
- Sagres Restaurant, website https://sagresrestaurant.com
- Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/SagresFallRiver
- Portuguese Kids, website https://www.portuguesekids.com
- Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/portuguesekids
- Europa Cafe , website https://www.europacoffeeshop.com
Listen to Bob and I talk about the behind the scenes happenings for the Fall River episode on our podcast, Married to Portuguese!
