Thousands of people converged on Fremantle’s streets and wharf for the 2017 Blessing of the Fleet festivities and procession which took place on 29 October. Photo: Michael Soh.
“As you go down the streets, there are people of many nationalities who’ve come from far and wide to see the procession.”
President of the Fishing Fleet Festival Association John Mintiullo described the sight of thousands of people who converged on Fremantle’s streets and wharf for the 2017 Blessing of the Fleet festivities and procession which took place on Sunday 29 October.
The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey at St Patrick’s Basilica, and in the afternoon, the 69th annual procession began through the Port City’s fishing boat harbour.
While the Madonna dei Martiri (Our Lady of Martyrs) and Madonna di Capo D’Orlando statues were paraded through the streets before being placed on two adorned boats, after setting sail, Archbishop Emeritus Hickey then blessed the fleet, and interceded to Our Lady for a successful fishing season and for the protection and safety of fishermen out at sea.
While the Madonna dei Martiri (Our Lady of Martyrs) and Madonna di Capo D’Orlando statues were paraded through the streets before being placed on two adorned boats, after setting sail, Archbishop Emeritus Hickey then blessed the fleet, and interceded to Our Lady for a successful fishing season and for the protection and safety of fishermen out at sea. Photo: Michael Soh.
Upon returning to shore, the procession paused at the Esplanade for a fireworks display, before returning to St Patrick’s Basilica for Benediction. The evening exploded with more fireworks which took place at 8pm.
Mr Mintiullo said that the Blessing of the Fleet originated from the fishing town of Molfetta in the Southern Coast of Italy, where locals have a strong devotion to the Madonna dei Martiri.
“Molfetta fishermen who immigrated to Western Australia introduced the decades-old tradition to Fremantle in 1948. The local Sicilian community brought in their own statue in 1952, and the smaller Madonna di Capo D’Orlando statue was included in every procession since then.”
He also added that the planning and organising the annual celebration of Fremantle’s Italian heritage and fishing traditions takes place within weeks after the procession, especially with the event celebrating a major milestone next year.
“Once we’ve finished today, we will start planning again in a couple of weeks. This year is our 69th and next year is our 70th anniversary, so next year we will be planning a big festival,” Mr Mintiullo said.
City of Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the Blessing of the Fleet is a ‘favourite Fremantle tradition’.
“It’s been going on for almost 70 years and it’s a great tradition because it celebrates Fremantle’s extraordinary cultural heritage.
“One of the things that makes us unique as a Port City is the fishing fleet and the Italian and Portuguese community,” he said.
The Mayor also explained that the festivities is a fitting opening event for the annual Fremantle Festival.
“We saw today thousands of people who came down to watch it and I think it’s a real focal point for the community.
“It’s the start of our Fremantle Festival, so we actually use this (Blessing of the Fleet) as an event that kicks off the festival over the next 10 days.
“I think it’s a great event that everybody gets involved in and celebrates a focal point of the Fremantle story,” Mr Pettitt said.