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May Through October
Weekdays: 12 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. &
12:00 noon
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Festival of Lights
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Christmas Festival of Lights
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights
2012 Dates:
November 23, 2012 through December 30, 2012 (closed Christmas Day)
Our celebration of Christmas begins the day after Thanksgiving with the opening of our most popular event, The Christmas Festival of Lights. With over 500,000 lights, 150 choral performances, a petting zoo, carolers, puppet shows and hot chocolate this is a special event for the whole family.
Click here to learn more about the Christmas Festival of Lights

International Freedom Sunday
In colorful native costumes, carrying bouquets of vibrant flowers, people gather at The Grotto to celebrate the annual International Freedom Day Mass. Each year this Mass is held at The Grotto on the Sunday closest to Independence Day.
Freedom Sunday
July 8, 2012
The Freedom Day Celebration began at The Grotto in 1976 as a way for new immigrants in Portland to celebrate their independence. Most of the people who come to give thanks for the liberty they enjoy in the United States are Southeast Asian. However, the ethnic groups who participate in this celebration include Polish, Croatian, Russian, Korean, Filipino, Hispanic, Eritrean, Cambodian, Laotian and Vietnamese.
Blessing of the Animals

The Annual Blessing of the animals is Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 2 p.m. in the plaza.
The Blessing of the Animals is held the third Sunday of July and offers individuals with pets an opportunity to reflect upon the positive impact animals have on our emotional and physical well-being. This annual event attracts a wide variety of animals and their human friends. Individuals of all faiths are invited to bring their companion animals, properly restrained, to The Grotto for the Blessing of the Animals. All are welcome.
Events at The Grotto
Throughout the year, The Grotto holds a wide variety of events, including special religious celebrations, retreats, workshops, the Christmas Festival of Lights, concerts, a crab feed, and a blessing of animals. We hope that you will join us at The Grotto for one of our special events. For more information, please call 503-254-7371.
