Date 16 October 2026 Category City news Topic Events Bring your family and friends to celebrate the community, culture and maritime heritage that make Fremantle special. Fremantle’s fishing traditions and Italian heritage will take centre stage on Sunday 25 October, with the annual Blessing of the Fleet and Little Italy by the Sea bringing a day of culture, food and family entertainment to the city. One of Fremantle’s most cherished traditions, the Blessing of the Fleet has brought the community together since 1948 to pray for a safe and successful fishing season and honour the generations of fishing families who have helped shape our port city. Organised by the Fremantle Fishing Fleet Festival Association, the celebration begins with Mass in Italian at St Patrick’s Basilica at 9.30am. At 2pm, the traditional procession will depart from the Basilica and make its way through Fremantle to Fishing Boat Harbour. Alongside the celebrations, Little Italy by the Sea, presented by Nella Fitzgerald Events, will bring the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy to Fishing Boat Harbour and Bathers Beach. Enjoy Italian food, live music, cultural performances, cooking demonstrations and family entertainment, with colourful Venetian Carnivale characters adding to the festive atmosphere. The annual rope coiling competition will also return, celebrating the skills and traditions of Fremantle’s fishing community. Gather by the harbour at 7pm for the Blessing of the Fleet fireworks finale, From the Sea to the Stars. Bring your family and friends to celebrate the community, culture and maritime heritage that make Fremantle special. Visit the Blessing of the Fleet and Little Italy by the Sea event pages for the latest program information.
