Bayou La Batre Blessing of the Fleet

Alabama’s seafood capital has blessed its shrimp fleet since the late 1940s; 2026 was the 77th. The Archbishop of Mobile blesses each decorated boat as it passes the parish on the bayou. Where to watch: Decorated shrimp boats parade down the bayou past St. Margaret’s, where the Archbishop of Mobile blesses each one from the church dock area; a wreath goes on the water for lost fishermen. The shoreline by the church is the prime spot; parking near the church fills early.