Blessing of the Fishing FleetZegen van de Vissersvloot

The Blessing of the Fishing Fleet is an annual ritual conducted in early September near the feast of La Virgen del Valle (Patron saint of fishermen). Fishermen bring vessels to the Sorobon small pier, where a blessing ceremony is held for the safety of boats and crews for the coming year. Boats of all sizes parade, and a priest (or community leader) blesses the mast and nets. It is followed by a communal meal or gathering to honor fishing traditions 1.

Introduced by fishing families (many of Venezuelan origin), the tradition intertwines Catholic devotion with maritime life. InfoBonaire explains it occurs on a weekend near September 8 each year. The event underscores the island’s reliance on fishing and communal support, as all islanders come together to pray for safety and give thanks 1.