The purpose of the Boston Portuguese Festival is to promote the image of Portugal and the visibility of the Portuguese community and its ancestry in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to promote and educate the community regarding Portugal and the Portuguese community and its ancestry, and to engage in activities that, for charitable purposes, are consistent with its mission. To provide awareness of the Portuguese-American community, and its culture and ancestry in the greater Boston area while also promoting Portugal.

The event is typically held in Boston’s iconic civic space, City Hall Plaza.