Get ready to set sail on a sea of fun at the upcoming Blessing of the Fleet festival, one of the largest festivals on the south coast in NSW and takes place on Easter Sunday each year. One cannot forget what is at the heart of the festival, the blessing of the fishing fleet.
Steeped in history and dating back to 1956, the Blessing of the Fleet Festival follows an Italian tradition of the Catholic Priest Blessing the fleet of fishing vessels. This blessing is to wish them a plentiful catch and a safe return.
The festival has a long history of promoting Italian culture, heritage, and tourism. It also showcases our deep connection our community has with the sea, as well as the dedication of our local fishers and their families.
Since the beginning of the festival traditions a young woman has been crowned festival Princess. The Blessing of the Fleet Ball is enjoyed by Princesses, partners, family, and sponsors. A social occasion for a gala and pageantry.
All aboard with the Ulladulla fishing community and the Blessing of the Fleet Princesses, at 9.30am will kick things off with an enchanting waterfront procession. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Groove to live music, kids can enjoy the easter egg hunt, and mums and dads peruse market stalls. while food truck fans can chow down.
Festival goers are welcome to view the official Blessing of the Fleet along Ulladulla wharf with a ceremony and mass commencing at 9.45am on centre stage at the harbour precinct.
As the sun sets, the famous greasy pole and tug of war contests will take centre stage for an afternoon of high-octane shenanigans. And don’t forget to stick around for the grand finale – an explosive fireworks show!
But wait there’s more The Festival will launch with a fundraising event ‘’ Taste of the Sea’ which will be held on February 10th 2024 at the Ocea vibe in Ulladulla. Guests will be treated to an exquisite feast of fresh local seafood while enjoying live entertainment and storytelling from the local sea-loving families
