The Our Lady of Fatima Processional and The Blessing of the Fleet An annual Brunswick tradition in May, is the beautiful Old World processional through Historic Hanover Square. This year the event takes place on May 13, 2012 at 3 pm.
The Our Lady of Fatima Processional was started by the Portuguese community in 1938 to commemorate the first appearance of The Blessed Virgin to three children near the town of Fatima, Portugal on May 13, 1917. A hand-carved Brazilian Oak statue, with a crown of gold and precious stones, identical to the statue in Fatima, is placed on a carved wooden shoulder carrier and decorated with flowers. Parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Church process singing through the park. The Processional begins promptly at 12:00 noon and lasts about thirty minutes.
The Blessing of the Fleet
This colorful Portuguese tradition blesses the brightly decorated shrimp boats prior to the start of shrimping season each year. The Blessing of the Fleet starts at 3:00 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park. 