Centuries ago, in Mediterranean fishing villages, Catholic residents would gather and have a local priest pray blessings on fishing boats for a safe and bountiful season. Now, widely adopted by Christian communities around the world, coastal towns practice “blessing the fleet” in hopes of the same safe, fruitful fishing and shrimping expeditions.
Thirty years ago this spring, the town of Mount Pleasant began blessing the Charleston fleets. This annual event is host to local seafood purveyors, restaurants, music, crafts and a day of fun for the whole family. The 30th Annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival will take place Sunday, April 30th at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront and will offer parking at locations around town with free shuttle service to the event. The Blessing of the Fleet is a true low country affair and is a tradition residents, and visitors, love to participate in year after year.
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