One of the oldest traditions observed by fishing communities across the globe is the annual blessing of local fishing fleets. It's a time-honoured ritual that safeguards the fisherfolk doing the hard yards on the high-seas as they bring the ocean's bounty to our tables. Sydney Fish Market, the city's largest seafood hub, will once again be marking its annual Blessing of the Fleet with one heck of a party on Sunday, October 15 from 10am-3pm.
This year, Sydney Fish Market has expanded the Blessing into a family-friendly extravaganza taking over the entire commercial wharf that’s typically closed to the public. The well-wishing kicks off with the ceremonial parade of a statue of Madonna, the Santa Maria Di Porto Salvo – that's the Saint Mary of Safe Harbours for you non-Italian speakers – which follows a route around the market and down to the wharf. This is no solemn procession; the march is a vibrant and colourful affair, revealing a fascinating glimpse of Mediterranean culture on Australian soil.
After that important business is concluded, it's time to party with an afternoon of family-friendly music and dance performances including from a marching band and Tribal Warrior's traditional Aboriginal dance group; spaghetti-eating and prawn-peeling competitions; engaging educational exhibits; and free kids’ face painting.
Of course, there will be the freshest seafood in abundance. Savour just-shucked oysters, or prawns and crab expertly cooked by the Market's award-winning retailers. More adventurous foodies can awaken their palates with sea urchin straight from the shell or octopus sashimi.