One of city’s most cherished traditions, the Blessing of the Fleet, takes place this weekend in East Biloxi.
The weekend-long celebration, which dates back to the Old Country, is highlighted by the Sunday afternoon blessing of a brightly decorated shrimping fleet to ask for God’s blessing for a safe and bountiful season. Several dozen shrimp, pleasure and commercial boats are expected to participate in the procession.
“This event is a Biloxi tradition that combines the historical, religious, industrious and festive aspects that all make up Biloxi,” said Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich. “It marks the beginning of the shrimp fishing season and pays tribute to our strong and viable industry seafood industry.”
The lineup of events:
Mass of the Blessing, Saturday, 4 p.m., St. Michael’s Catholic Church, U.S. 90, Point Cadet.
Coronation of 2021 Shrimp King and Queen, Saturday, 6 p.m., Biloxi Civic Center. Featuring music by Gram Rea. Limited number of tickets available, $10 each and include shrimp plate. Call 228-435-6339 or 228-365-1627.
92nd Annual Biloxi Blessing of the Fleet, Sunday, 2 p.m., Biloxi Channel. Boats line up in the west end of the Biloxi Channel, south of the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, and parade east in the Biloxi Channel. The ceremonial wreath dropping takes place at 2 p.m. Viewing along the beach from the Biloxi Lighthouse to the Biloxi Bay Bridge. Details: Facebook.com/biloxiblessingms/
