The 15th annual Cape Verdean Festival was sizzling on Saturday, with lively performances, heaping plates of food and vendors helping celebrate Cape Verdean heritage.

“Can’t you smell that aroma in the air?” said Tiny Lopes, the event organizer.

People came from all over the country for the festival to celebrate a country made up of 10 islands and eight islets off the coast of western Africa.

There were 76 vendors, 20 of which sold Cape Verdean foods to the 13,000 people who visited Onset for the event.

“It brings our people together,” Lopes said. “It’s really a family atmosphere.”

Lopes called Cape Verde “the best-kept secret in the world,” because many people don’t know where it is. But Lopes’ “goal in life” is to make sure Cape Verdean youth don’t lose touch with their heritage.

“We are retaining our legacy,” Lopes said. “We want to make sure that our youth do not forget what came before.”

Some vendors set up their tents with that same vision. Marian Rose, president of Oak Grove Cape Verdean Cultural Center, sold T-shirts, flags and recipe books at her booth. The T-shirts had photographs of popular Cape Verdean foods on them.

“It’s all about food,” Rose said. “That’s a common thing with any Cape Verdean culture. We break bread with you and it brings everyone together.”

Rose said the Cape Verdean culture is diverse since people come many small islands, but the people do have plenty of things in common.

“We always will hear that Cape Verde is a loving culture,” Rose said. “We really don’t argue and we’re peacemakers.”

Entertainment was provided by several musical groups, including The CV Fantastic Trio + 1, Melany Vieria, Zerui Depina, Magma Sound and Jayyxlondon. Sabura Camp performers from Brockton entertained with martial arts and dance performances.

“It’s a very alive culture,” said Louis Loura, district director for the office of Massachusetts Sen. Marc Pacheco, who attended the event and gave some remarks. “It’s so rich, with the language and culture and traditions.”