Blessing of the Fleet - PART 2

To get the preceding series of shots Roger had been perched precariously 10 feet in the air on the thin edge of the top of one side of a huge stowage box for fishing gear and nets, where he had been joined by one "other" kid. As the actual blessing of the fleet ended he crawled back to earth to cover the recessional which began with the band getting organized once again.

These fisherman didn't really want to give up on what had been described to us earlier in the day as "fireworks". So at this point more flares were lit on the boats.

In a way it seemed fitting that this health-challenged lady seemed to lead the recessional from the docks.

This was in large part truly a community event and during the recessional the crowd of about

2000 mingled with the participants.

If you’ve watched Italian films about small villages you would have the feeling that this local
band had the standing contract. Their mannerisms, music, way of marching was so reminiscent that we thought we had jumped over Spain and France and been transported to that other large European peninsula – Italia.

Once back in the town, there were women on the balconies, burning candles as the procession passed.

With night falling under their balcony, the Christmas lights contrasted with the passage of the Virgin.

Full night

brought the Christmas angels, a fitting end to a wonderful day.