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St. Michael Catholic Church

St. Michael Catholic ChurchSt. Michael Catholic ChurchSt. Michael Catholic Church

St. Michael Catholic Church

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Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival

Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival

A ceremonial blessing, given by a local Catholic priest, marks the beginning of the shrimp fishing season. Even though it had its origins in ancient times in Europe, the first Blessing of the Fleet in the Biloxi Bay was given in 1929, and now takes place annually in a colorful procession in the Mississippi Sound.

The ceremony begins with the dropping of an evergreen wreath into the Sound in remembrance of fishermen who have been lost at sea. Then a procession of more than 30 shrimp boats files past the anchored “Blessing Boat” where the officiating priest stands, sprinkling holy water on each of the boats and giving a blessing for each one, asking a safe and prosperous fishing season.


Look for dates for the 2021 Blessing coming in May 2021

Photo Gallery

Site Content

Shrimp King and Queen

Shrimp King and Queen

Shrimp King and Queen

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Our new Shrimp Queen 2020 

Miss Erin Schreck and her 

King Eddie Rhodes

Best Decorated Boat

Shrimp King and Queen

Shrimp King and Queen

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Gunsmoke, Captain Franklin Parker

2nd Best Decorated

Shrimp King and Queen

2nd Best Decorated

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My Sons, Captained by Charles Duhon

Best Participation

The official 2020 Blessing of the Fleet poster

2nd Best Decorated

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Barbara K, Captained by John Kopsyzwa

The official 2020 Blessing of the Fleet poster

The official 2020 Blessing of the Fleet poster

The official 2020 Blessing of the Fleet poster

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The official Blessing of the Fleet Poster by artist Suzy Templin

On Sale at the Biloxi Visitors Center or at St Michael Catholic Church

Shrimp Queen Pageant

The official 2020 Blessing of the Fleet poster

The official 2020 Blessing of the Fleet poster

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Congratulations to all the contestants in the 2020 Shrimp Queen Pageant.  Look for applications for next year.

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