This Saturday from 7:30 PM, Nice celebrates the Feast of Saint Peter at the Port of Nice.
In Nice (the only maritime outlet of the House of Savoy), where the sea has always played an important role, fishermen go out to sea every day to bring back the fish that will feed their families and supply the market at the “Marine” or Place Toja.
To counter the fury of the elements and invoke the mercy of Heaven, since the Middle Ages, they place themselves under the protection of Saint Peter. And once a year, they honor their patron saint by organizing a moving procession in Old Nice.
In the evening, the fishermen’s guild gathers on the beach, burns the boat of the poorest among them, and gives him a new one.
Still celebrated today, this tradition takes place on June 30th, in the Port district.
On the program:
Assembly and mass at the Notre-Dame du Port Church
Procession of the fishermen from the church to the Entrecasteaux quay
Boarding of the statue of Saint Peter, the priest, and the Officials on the “Triton,” Infernet quay
Laying of a wreath at sea in tribute to the deceased fishermen and sailors
Boat burning
