The festival drew Cape Verdeans from different generations, both people born in the archipelago nation and descendants of immigrants.
Non-Cape Verdeans also turned out for the festival. Many people came from out of town and even out of state for the cultural experience.
"I enjoy seeing all my people," said Carol Pimentel, 60, a New Bedford resident who comes to the festival every year. "I love the music. I love the food. You feel right at home."
Festival visitors watched the musicians perform at the band shell. Some danced in front of the stage. Meanwhile, others browsed through the rows of booths selling colorful clothes and crafts.
All of Onset Village was buzzing with activity. The festival has drawn an estimated 17,000 people in the past.
The event boasted 70 merchandise vendors and 18 food vendors, said Anthony "Tiny" Lopes, the festival association's chairman of public relations.
"Everyone is so friendly, so open," Mr. Lopes said.
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank and state Sen. Marc R. Pacheco addressed the crowd.
"Thanks to everyone for making the festival again such a wonderful event," Rep. Frank said.
Maria de Jesus Mascarenhas, the consul general of Cape Verde, also spoke at the festival.
She said later it is important for Cape Verdeans to become part of American society and at the same time share their own cultural background with others.
People attending the festival said they think it is valuable to preserve Cape Verdean culture, especially so younger members of the community can learn about their heritage.
"We've got to keep it going," Ms. Pimentel said.
Celebrating Cape Verdean culture is important "so we don't lose our heritage," said Jere Espejo, 24, of Marion.
Maria Teixeira, 33, a Boston resident who was born in Cape Verde, said the festival offers a different perspective from the negative news about problems within the Cape Verdean community.
"I think it's a great way for the Cape Verdean community to show what great people they are," she said.
She traveled to Onset with relatives to enjoy the festival. Her cousin, Eugenia Goncalves, a 29-year-old Boston resident who was born on the Cape Verdean island of Fogo, said she enjoyed seeing Cape Verdeans gather together and have a good time.
"You get to meet people from different islands," she said.
The festival also offers an opportunity for family members to reunite, sometimes with relatives they have not seen in years.
"A lot of families reconnect here," said Donna Daveiga, a Wareham resident who volunteers with the festival committee.
Faith Cruz-Cogan, who was attending with her husband, David, said she comes up from Florida every year. Her brother, John B. Cruz III, owns Cruz Construction, one of the festival's sponsors.
"I come here for the music and I come here for family," she said.
She said she grew up in Onset and attended the Oak Grove School.
"Onset is in my blood," she added.
