The City of Nice, proud of its culture and traditions, honors the patron saint of fishermen, Saint Peter, on the occasion of an event dating back to the Middle Ages.
At that time, religion was the only recourse that men had to counter the fury of the elements and to seek the mercy of the heavens. The fishermen placed themselves under the protection of Saint Peter. Once a year, they honor their patron saint during a moving procession that takes place 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…
– Schedule of Festivities:
8:00 PM Gathering and Mass at Notre Dame du Port Church
9:00 PM Fishermen’s procession from the church to Entrecasteaux Wharf
Illumination of traditional “pointus” boats in the Lympia basin
Musical accompaniment
9:15 PM Boarding of the Saint Peter statue, the priest, and officials on the “Triton”
Laying of a wreath at sea in tribute to deceased fishermen and sailors
Boat parade – Activities on the wharf
9:40 PM Speeches by officials
10:00 PM Boat burning
10:30 PM Friendship drink – Balèti (traditional Provençal dance)
