Well, not literally of course.
When October rolls around, the community of Fremantle takes part in the Blessing of the Fleet, an annual tradition which dates back to the 12th century AD and was brought to the city by Italian migrant fishermen in 1948.
These migrants, primarily from Molfetta (Puglia) and the Sicilian town of Capo D’Orlando, instilled a strong sense of culture and tradition within Fremantle which is now widely celebrated not just by Italians or Catholics, but by the entire community.
On October 30, the tradition will play out in exactly the same way it has for the past 67 years.
Morning Mass will be followed by a parade of people dressed in costumes who will weave their way from the Basilica of St Patrick’s Cathedral through the city to reach the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.
Keeping with tradition, the men will carry the Madonna dei Martiri statue from Molfetta, while the women will shoulder the Sicilian Madonna di Capo D’Orlando.
Once the procession arrives at the harbour, the Archbishop will bless the statues, before the city breaks out in an hours-long celebration, complete with illuminating fireworks over the port.
One only has to hear the words parade, costume, statues and fireworks to conclude that this is a truly Italian ritual.
In fact, many Italian migrants and visitors have remarked that this special day in Western Australia is almost an exact replica of the original festa celebrated half way across the world in its birthplace.
This year, it’s about to get even more Italian; for the first time, Fremantle’s Blessing of the Fleet will be run in conjunction with the Little Italy by the Sea festival, operating across various locations for the entire weekend.
The festival’s director, Nella Fitzgerald has collaborated with the Blessing of the Fleet committee to bring a little bit of Italy to Fremantle in a city-wide celebration of Italian music, cuisine and culture.
Festivalgoers will be transported through space and time to a picturesque seaside Italian village, as four temporary piazze are set up across Fremantle from the main square, Piazza Italia to Piazza del Mare where the Blessing of the Fleet boats will dock.
The festival will feature around 25 pop up restaurants, cafes and food trucks, while the piazze will be peppered with statues and fountains and bustling with the likes of a salsa orchestra, roving jazz musicians and artists.
“It will be life in Italy, as best as we can recreate it of course,” Nella says.
“I’m looking forward to everyone coming and experiencing the Italian way of life rather than just going to an exhibition or a market; it will be the people themselves which actually make the event.”
As part of the festivities, renowned artist and Fremantle identity, Joanna Roberston will open her Kidogo Arthouse to visitors for a Long Italian Lunch by the Sea and the La Dolce Vita Dinner Party Feast, each featuring over four hours of Italian food and fun.
Speaking of food, Nella has organised a retro-style spaghetti eating competition to be held at Bathers Beach on the Saturday, while the return of the Australian Specialty Coffee Championships will showcase some of the best baristas from across the nation.
And the best part is you won’t even have to feel guilty about indulging in all the tasty treats on offer; you’ll be able to work it all off by busting some moves to singing powerhouse, Monique of sell-out Fringe World Festival Perth Show, Italian Live Lounge.
Nella’s commitment to the festival stems from her own Italian heritage and her desire to involve the entire community in a celebration of Italian culture and all that it encompasses.
Nella’s father, Elio migrated to Australia from Verona, while her mother, Angela originates from a little town called Bivongi in Calabria.
Around 61 years ago, Elio was about to pack up and return to Verona, when his friend told him about a beautiful Italian girl he just had to meet.
A blind date led to love, and so Elio stayed.
Now, Nella is taking it upon herself to share the Italian way of life which she was born into with the rest of Australia.
“I’ve created this festival in honour of all the people that came before us and of our youth that are coming after us to never forget our culture,” Nella says.
“It’s about continuing our traditions in a modern way, but also sharing our culture with everyone because we are all one.”
While the Blessing of the Fleet was once recognised as an Italian religious ceremony, this iconic tradition has evolved into an inclusive community event for people of all ages and walks of life.
“So many people have embraced it, not just the Italians, but everyone that loves our culture,” Nella says.
“It’s wonderful how much people celebrate our heritage!”
As Fremantle gears up for the 68th Blessing of the Fleet, one can’t help but wonder how this long-standing tradition has stood the test of time and is still going as strong as ever almost seven decades on.
Nella puts it down a few things: “It’s not only the passion and love of community and of our traditions that must never be forgotten, but it’s a celebration of everyone!”
