For several years I've wanted to attend the Blessing of the Fleet in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. This year I made sure to mark it on my calendar. Many fishing communities around the world continue this tradition where a local priest blesses the boats for a safe and bountiful year.
They have evolved into festivals with parades, music, contests, and lots of seafood. Today there was a gumbo cook-off, an oyster-shucking contest, and (I couldn't watch) a shrimp de-heading contest.
The Anna Priscilla - the real deal.
"Safe in the palm of my hand."
Tall and small, all types of boats line up.
Waiting to be blessed.
The Fleet Blessing Queen (right) and one of the Fleet Blessing Maids pose for photos.
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1 comment:
With a strong Asian community working on the boats did you see any non-Christian blessings taking place?
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