Editor’s Note: The Onset Cape Verdean Festival has been postponed to its rain date of Sunday, Aug. 11. All information about scheduling and lineups remains the same.

Twenty-three years ago, a young group set out to tell a story that had never been told before in Onset — the story of Cape Verdean culture and tradition.

Since then, thousands of people from across the United States have gathered in Onset for its annual Cape Verdean Festival each summer.

“We basically do this in honor of our ancestors,” said Tiny Lopes, who manages public relations for the festival.

Now the festival nears its 22nd iteration, which on Saturday, Aug. 10, will continue to share the story and culture of Cape Verdeans in the United States.

This year, a historic ship, the Ernestina-Morrissey, will be docked at Onset Pier. According to Lopes, the ship transported many Cape Verdeans from the islands to the United States. 

According to Lopes, Cape Verdeans often call the Ernestina “our ship.”

The Ernestina-Morrissey will be moving from its current dock in New Bedford to Onset, where festival attendees will be able to board it and get a free tour, according to Lopes. 

Not only will festivalgoers get a slice of Cape Verdean history, but Onset will be immersed in cultural food and music during the festival.

“We just share with one another and it's one big family get together,” Lopes said.

The festival will bring 90 vendors to Onset Bay, including 20 different food vendors.

“People love Cape Verdean food,” Lopes said.

Festival food items will include favorites like a Cape Verdean rice and beans dish called jag, a fish dish named bacalhau and linguica, according to Lopes. 

The festival will feature Ze Rui, an entertainer who lives in Cape Verde and will be coming to Onset to perform traditional Cape Verdean music. Candida Rose, a New Bedford-based musician who performs Cape Verdean inspired music, is also slated to perform with several guest artists.

This year’s festival will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 12 to 6 p.m. If needed, the rain date is Sunday, Aug. 11.

The festival is free to attend. Parking will be available at Lopes Field for $10 on the day of and a shuttle will run between the field and the festival area from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“Come sit down and listen to the music and meet and greet old friends,” Lopes said.