Sydney Fish Market invites Sydneysiders and visitors to attend its annual Blessing of the Fleet Festival, taking place on Sunday 15th October 2023. The iconic festivities include live entertainment and a wide range of culinary delights, as the Market celebrates the rich heritage of the Australian fishing community.
The Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony is a centuries old Mediterranean tradition with strong ties to Italian and Australian fishing communities which involves a colourful procession of a marching band and the Madonna – a replica statue of the Santa Maria Di Porto Salvo – as well as a Catholic Priest blessing the local fishing fleet to ensure safe travels and a prosperous year ahead.
Sydney Fish Market CEO Greg Dyer says the Market is looking forward to celebrating another abundant year of seafood for the NSW fishing community.
“We are proud to host the Blessing of the Fleet Festival and honour the traditions of our fishing community. The Festival has so much to offer locals and visitors with an exciting atmosphere, entertainment, and the opportunity to enjoy the incredible produce available from our retailers.”
The Market will once again collaborate on the event with local fishing family, the Bagnatos, who hail from Calabria, Italy, and have been involved in Blessing of the Fleet Festivities for more than 25 years, 14 being at Sydney Fish Market.
“We are delighted to be part of another Blessing of the Fleet Festival at Sydney Fish Market and continue the cherished tradition with our local community. With so much time spent out at sea, the opportunity to honour our rich Catholic heritage and wish each other a prosperous year of catch is something we look forward to every year,” said Paul Bagnato.
Following the Ceremony, Sydney Fish Market will host a celebration of live music, entertainment, and delicious produce. Visitors can expect an exciting cooking demonstration from Sydney Seafood School, spaghetti-eating and prawn-peeling competitions, as well as free face-painting and engaging educational exhibits. Sydney Fish Market retailers will also be activating pop-up stalls for the Festival with a range of delicious treats on offer from GetFish, FruitEzy and Vic’s Meat.
BLESSING OF THE FLEET EVENT DETAILS:
WHEN: Sunday 15th October 2023, 10am – 3pm
WHERE: Sydney Fish Market, Bank Street, Pyrmont, NSW, 2009
COST: Free
For more information, click here.
GETTING THERE: The best way to get to Sydney Fish Market is via public transport. Attendees can catch the Sydney Light Rail to the Fish Market stop, bus or walk to Sydney Fish Market. Bus services 501 and 389 regularly depart from the city. For route and timetable information visit www.transportnsw.info.
Parking is also available on-site at Sydney Fish Market for a flat rate of $8.