On Sunday, 29 September Sydneysiders joined local fishers to partake in the centuries-old tradition of the Blessing of the Fleet, featuring the procession of the Madonna - a replica statue of the Santa Maria Di Porto Salvo, the guardian of Safe Ports or Safe Harbour.

Close to 21,000 people visited Sydney Fish Market on the day to enjoy the seafood and festivities.  Leading the procession was Paul Bagnato, a local fisherman who hails from Calabria, Italy, who has been involved in Blessing of the Fleet festivities for nearly 25 years, including ten years at Sydney Fish Market.

Other activities on the day included crowd favourite, the spaghetti-eating challenge, face painting, along with live entertainment played throughout the wharf and boardwalk.