54th Annual Blessing of the Fleet
A traditional celebration of fishermen, families, and friends
The Blessing of the Fleet Committee and the Stonington Fishermen would like to thank Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Monsignor Richard P. LaRocque, Saint Mary Church, Blessing Volunteers, and Blessing Sponsors for their support of the 54th Blessing of the Fleet.
Please Click Here to read the "In Memory Of" tributes provided by Blessing of the Fleet sponsors.
Also, Stonington's Blessing of the Fleet was named Best Tradition in the September 2008 issue of Connecticut Magazine.
The annual Blessing of the Fleet is a time when 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. Saturday night's band will be Special 20. Join us at the dock for some excellent music and a great time.
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.