Episode 167: The Blessing of the Fleet 2026 featuring John Minutillo

This week we have a wonderful guest, John Minutillo, who told us all about a very special tradition, the Blessing of the Fleet. John is the President of the Fishing Fleet Festival Association and we were fascinated to hear his knowledge and passion for this amazing event. Originating in Molfetta hundreds of years ago, it is dedicated to blessing fishing boats to bring prosperity and keep the fishermen safe. Nowadays this tradition continues in Molfetta and in many other parts of the world where Molfettese have immigrated, including our very own Fremantle where the event is happening this Sunday the 25th of October. There will be so much happening in Fremantle on this day including the procession of La Madonna, food, entertainment, fireworks and more. This is an event not to be missed. For more information listen to the episode and click on the links in the shownotes. Fremantle Blessing of the Fleet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14uJw89hJoG/?mibextid=wwXIfr Fremantle Blessing of the Fleet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fremantleblessingofthefleet?rpxt=dXNoemJwN294ZGFv Details on City of Fremantle website: https://www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/arts-and-culture/whats-on/blessing-of-the-fleet-little-italy-festival/