28.06.2012 1

Festival of Saint Peter at Nice Port

The City of Nice will celebrate the patron saint of fisherman, Saint Peter, on Sunday 30th June with a festival that dates back to the Middle Ages.

Each year, a boat is set alight in memory of the lost sailers. Copyright David Winch

All those years ago, pleading to God was the only recourse available to men who encountered the fury of the elements at sea. And still to this day, fishermen honour their patron saint with a procession through old Nice, ending with a boat burning ceremony at the port.

 

Schedule:

8pm - Mass at Notre Dame du Port
9pm - procession of fishermen from the church to the Entrecasteaux dock, music 
9:15pm - Embarkment of the statue of St. Peter, the priest and officials on the "Triton"
Wreath laying at sea as a tribute to fishermen and lost sailors
Procession of Boats - Entertainment on the dock
9:40pm - Speeches by officials
10pm - the boat is set ablaze
10:30pm - Glass of Wine - Balèti

Share |

Go back

Comments

Comment by George | 29.06.2012

It is really heartening to hear that fisherman celebrates their saints day in a very good manner. Really it is new to me though I too belongs to a community of fishermen in the southern side of india.
Congrats.

Add a comment