The Blessing of the Fleet is a well established religious tradition in the City Adelaide.  It is a reminder of the religious traditions of the Italian People, especially those from Molfetta and Capo d'Orlando.

Molfetta- on the south-east coast of Italy- is a sea port facing the Adriatic Sea.  It has a large population of fishermen and is a very busy port.  The People of Molfetta are very devoted to their patroness, Our Lady of Martyrs (La Madonna dei Martiri).  This history of this devotion goes back to the twelfth century when Molfetta was a receiving depot or hospital where many wounded crusaders were brought from the holy war being fought in Palestine by the Christian crusaders.  They brought with them paintings of the Madonna and child and told of the protection crusaders received in the battlefield when carrying the pictures.

In September of 1958, the first Festival and procession were held with the help of the religious and civil authorities.  The statue then made its first appearance in Port Adelaide to earmark the tradition that had been entered into through such cultural interaction.  To the right is a picture of St. Mary's Church in Dale Street of Port Adelaide.  St. Mary's has been the home of the statue of Madonna dei Martiri since its first appearance in Adelaide.

To continue the strong tradition, every year on the second weekend after the 8th of September, the festivities of the Blessing of the Fleet are held in the Port Adelaide area. This commences with a Ball on Saturday night and, on the Sunday, the procession of the Statue of Our Lady of the Martyrs to the Harbour where it is taken out to sea aboard a fishing vessel.  It is then taken to the Church where a Benediction is held for the Faithfuls.   The night is concluded with another Dinner Dance enjoyed by everyone.