54th Annual Blessing of the Fleet
A traditional celebration of fishermen, families, and friends
Join us on July 26th and 27th as the last remaining fishing fleet in the state of Connecticut comes together to remember the fishermen who have been lost at sea and to ask for blessing, protection, and success in the coming year.
Saturday's events feature a festival-like atmosphere, offering a wide variety of food choices - including seafood and Portuguese specialties - and dancing to live music at Stonington Fishermen's Dock.
On Sunday, the day starts with a fishermen's Mass at St. Mary Church. A street parade begins at 1 p.m., winding through the streets of Stonington. After the street parade, a crowd gathers at the dock, where the boats are blessed. Following the blessing of the fleet of fishing draggers and lobster boats, a boat parade culminates with the ceremonial release of a wreath in the shape of a broken anchor, in memory of the fishermen who have lost their lives at sea.