Alabama's Coastal Connection

Alabama's Coastal Connection (HM279X)

Location: Bayou La Batre, AL 36509 Mobile County
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Country: United States of America
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N 30° 24.239', W 88° 14.894'

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Blessing of the Fleet

The Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition that began centuries ago in Mediterranean fishing communities. The practice is predominantly Catholic, though sometimes Episcopalian, and a blessing from the local priest is meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season.

The annual Bayou La Batre event, which opens the shrimp season each May, began in 1949. It has become part religious ceremony part local heritage celebration and part tourist attraction. It centers on the colorfully decorated boats that cruise up the Bayou to receive blessings by the Archbishop who prays for a good harvest and a safe return. Other activities include a land parade, arts and crafts displays, dinner, and seafood contests including crab picking, shrimp heading and oyster shucking.

· The Blessing of the Fleet is held at coastal fishing communities throughout much of the world.
· In most ports, the event was brought to the United States by immigrants who held strongly to their Catholic religious beliefs.
· The events that are part of the ritual vary by community and range from a simple ceremony to a multi-day festival.
· The two Bible verses most commonly used in Blessing of the Fleet are: Psalm 104, verses 24-41 & Psalm 107, verses 23-32.

From Psalm 107:
Others went out on the sea in ships;
they were



merchants on the mighty waters.
They saw the works of the LORD,
his wonderful deeds in the deep.

He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
Details
HM NumberHM279X
Tags
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Marker ConditionNo reports yet
Date Added Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 at 10:01am PDT -07:00
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Locationbig map
UTM (WGS84 Datum)16R E 380096 N 3364212
Decimal Degrees30.40398333, -88.24823333
Degrees and Decimal MinutesN 30° 24.239', W 88° 14.894'
Degrees, Minutes and Seconds30° 24' 14.34" N, 88° 14' 53.64" W
Driving DirectionsGoogle Maps
Area Code(s)251
Which side of the road?Marker is on the right when traveling South
Closest Postal AddressAt or near 13800 AL-188, Bayou La Batre AL 36509, US
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