PORTSMOUTH — For years it was one of the shortest “parades” on record: A leisurely stroll starting from the Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club (PPACC), up Power Street, across East Main Road and up the steps into St. Anthony’s Church.

But it didn’t used to be that way.

The original St. Anthony’s Feast procession route was considerably longer — south on East Main Road, west on Freeborn Street past the library, north on Turnpike Avenue, east on Dexter Street and then south on East Main Road again before arriving at the church.

It was a big deal. Hundreds of residents would turn out to watch the figure of St. Anthony being carried through the streets, with many floats, musicians, local organizations and town dignitaries joining the festivities. 

Although the size of the route — and number of spectators — has diminished significantly over the years, that didn’t stop organizers from stepping back in time on Sunday for the 91st annual St. Anthony’s Feast procession. 

“Dave Comfort’s the new chairman (of the feast). He wanted to run the old route again, so they got permission to do it,” said Glenn Mathias, the PPACC secretary who was in charge of the parade route

The procession, which featured the Portuguese folklore dance group Rancho Folclorico De N.S. De Fatima of Cumberland, Our Lady of Light Band from Fall River and, of course, the figure of St. Anthony, actually went back to the old route last year, after about eight years of the shorter course. 

“I wanted to bring it back to the full route for the 90th anniversary,” explained club president Len Silva. “Dave wanted to do it again, because it was pretty successful last year.”

Perhaps due to the oppressive heat, not many residents came out from their air-conditioned homes for Sunday’s procession. 

“I think it’s going to be year by year,” said Mr. Silva. “They way it looked, there weren’t many spectators, so we may go back to (the shorter route).”

Although both men considered this year’s four-day feast a success, the weather did impact attendance. 

“Thursday, because of the rains, that messed up the car show,” said Mr. Mathias. 

Mr. Silva nodded before adding, “And the heat’s putting a little damper on everything.”