Blessing of the Fleet

This Event Happens in: May

An annual tradition each Mother's Day Sunday, this beautiful Old World processional through Historic Hanover Square was started by the Portuguese community in 1938 to commemorate the first appearance of The Blessed Virgin to three children near the town of Fatima, Portugal on May 13, 1917. Hand-carved Brazilian Oak statue, with a crown of gold and precious stones, identical to the statue in Fatima, is placed on a carved wooden shoulder carrier and decorated with flowers. Parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Church process singing through the park.

This colorful Portuguese tradition, each Mother's Day in historic downtown Brunswick, blesses the brightly decorated shrimp boats prior to the start of shrimping season each year.

Learn more about Blessing of the Fleet.