A Community Celebrates
The streets of Dorchester will soon echo with the chants of a nation celebrating its first World Cup appearance.
On June 7, the Cabo Verde National Team will march in the annual Dorchester Day Parade, a vibrant showcase of the island nation’s deep ties to Boston’s Cape Verdean community.
Arrival and Early Preparations
The squad landed in Boston on June 2 after a 2‑1 friendly win over Serbia, a match that saw forward Kevin de Pina score the opening goal and set an upbeat tone for the upcoming festivities.
Cape Verdean Association of Boston President Paulo DeBarros emphasized the parade as a moment of pride for a community that has long supported the team’s journey, noting the symbolic importance of marching alongside longtime residents.
Stars of the Squad
Among the players, Roberto Lopes, known as ‘Pico’, brings a unique blend of Irish and Cape Verdean heritage that resonates with Boston’s own cultural mosaic, while de Pina’s journey from Boston youth leagues to a Russian club adds a personal narrative that fans find compelling.
Manny Andrade and his brother Nilton Andrade, both longtime supporters, plan to attend both the parade and the World Cup watch parties, hoping to reunite with de Pina and celebrate their shared heritage.
Partnerships and Watch Parties
The Dorchester Day Parade Committee has expressed honor at welcoming the Cape Verdean World Cup team, and the event will be supported by a coalition of local organizations, including the Consulate General of Cabo Verde and the Cabo Verde Soccer Federation.
Beyond the parade, residents will gather in living rooms and community centers to watch the team’s Group G matches against Spain and Uruguay, with local watch parties already being organized to capture the excitement.
Looking Ahead to Qatar
As the parade draws near, the team’s focus shifts to upcoming friendlies in Hartford against Bermuda and the final preparations for the World Cup in Qatar, where they will face Spain, Uruguay and other opponents in a historic campaign.