Blessing of the Fleet

 The Blessing of the Fleet was held this past Saturday and Sunday in Cape Town Harbor at the V&A Waterfront in perfect sunny conditions. The masses that participated in the weekend’s proceedings were treated to good food, music and above all witnessed a century old tradition still being enjoyed today. The blessing of the fleet has been in existence for centuries in Mediterranean fishing communities and has only been practiced in Cape Town since 1989 when the local Portuguese Community decided to celebrate this tradition as well. Today, this festival signifies the readiness of our tuna fleet as we patiently await the arrival of the tuna which usually occurs between September and October every year. And how fitting was it for the south easterly trade wind to blow, as this is the wind that also signifies the change in seasons and assists in pushing the warmer waters around our coast?

With selected vessels all being decorated in traditional fare such as palm leaves and flags, they departed for a procession around the harbor and once they were beyond the breakwater, all attending on board bare witness of the Catholic Mass and blessing for a safe and bountiful season. The vessels are blessed so that all on board may have safe return and earn an honest living. Words are also expressed for those seamen whose souls were lost at sea but never forgotten and a flowered anchor wreath is cast into the ocean in their honor. The procession returns to the quayside upon when the keenly awaited festivities of dancing and entertainment begins. Traditional Portuguese food is prepared with the same enthusiasm as one would expect from their mother’s kitchen. All funds raised from this 2 day festival are in aid of the Portuguese Cultural and Welfare Center.

The majority of tuna vessel owners and captains in South Africa are Portuguese and mostly originate from Madeira. Unfortunately for this industry, we are not seeing the younger generations following in their parent’s footsteps and pursuing a career on sea, as they would rather pursue more glamorous occupations. Rather, there is a trend for younger South African’s seeking ownership and employment within this industry. Possibly next year, we could see a change in venue to Hout Bay Harbor where I would imagine there being a better participation from the South African tuna fishermen.

With the 2013 blessing have come and gone, all are now occupied with their final preparations for this year’s (hopefully) plentiful season…so many livelihoods are at stake.