In October, the City of Fremantle captured people hook, line and sinker with its annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. The Blessing of the Fleet is an old and revered tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation, showing the epitome of loyalty and solidarity among the fishing community.
Fremantle Councillor, John Alberti, said the tradition originated in Molfetta, Italy and Capo D’Orlando, Sicily. Now in its 58th year, the Blessing of the Fleet is an important annual event for the City of Fremantle, as it prepares for the new fishing season.
“This centuries old ritual calls for divine providence to safeguard ships and crews from the dangers of the seas, as well as ensuring fishermen will return to port with a bountiful catch,” he said. “It is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the most recent fishing season with its highs, lows and varying prices, along with ways we might be able to improve the overall catch. It is also a time for us to pay respect to the fishing community for its dedication and their commitment to using the City of Fremantle as a base.”
The fishing industry is an integral part of Fremantle’s identity, with the Blessing of the Fleet continuing to be an extremely important cultural event for the city each year.
“Fremantle is a thriving fishing port where the air is filled with chatter in a variety of languages,” Councillor Alberti said. “The Blessing of the Fleet is a quintessential part of our cultural melting pot. We continue to take part in a shared journey, and it is this richness of experience and culture that has made Western Australia and Fremantle a better place to live.”
The procession made its way from St Patrick’s Basilica to Fishing Boat Harbour, where this year’s blessing was delivered by Archbishop Ambrose De Paoli.
Councillor Alberti said with the Archbishop visiting, this year’s ceremony was even more special.
“Archbishop Ambrose De Paoli is the Pope’s number one man in Australia, so this is probably the closest we’ll get to having the Pope himself attend,” he said.
This year’s Blessing of the Fleet corresponded to the exact same date as the event in Capo D’Orlando, which is a City of Fremantle sister city.
The Blessing of the Fleet procession takes to the streets of Fremantle in October each year.
