Every year on 1 September, the community of Manfredonia celebrates Saint Andrew, protector of fishermen.This feast follow three days dedicated to Santa Maria di Siponto, portrayed by a Byzantine icon, deeply venerated by the local community.
The celebration of Apulian Patron Saints represents more than just a religious event. It's actually a glue which holds the community together.
I have come back to Manfredonia the 31 August to stay with my family.
On 1 September, I take my wife to the Saint Andrew's procession at sea.
We leave my parents' house at 4.30 and go to the harbour.
Hopefully, we will allowed to get on board.
At 5 pm is expected to begin the procession which will carry the Saint Andrew's statue around the gulf of Manfredonia.
Once at the arbour, I see a fishing boat populated by a big family.
"Good afternoon, Sir. May we join you"? I address the captain.
"Yeah sure" he replies.
A lady gets out the boat, takes my wife's hand and lead her on board.
Fishermen welcome tourists on this special occasion.
Anyone who wants to join them is benvenuto.
Another family with two children embark.
We all look forward to sail away.
I take chance to ask a couple of questions to Giuseppe, member of the crew and captain's son.
"We fish mainly red mullets, octopus, squids, sepias, basses, gilthread brims and mazzancolle (a kind of shrimp)" He says.
Manfredonia still hosts one of the largest fleet on national scale. Actually, it counts around 250 fishing boats.
Few years ago they were 400.
Indeed, The European Union is providing funds to all those who dismiss their own boats.
The Mediterranean is deeply suffering the impact of intensive fishing.
Giuseppe continues "We didn't take part to the procession for a couple of years because of the death of my grandpa".
Dozens of boats and motorboats follow the one which carries the Saint.
At certain stage, all of them get close at each other and stop.
A wreath is launched from the main boat in memory of those who have lost their life at sea.
A rolling clapping rises to the sky.
Once back to the port, we get out and leave not before having cheered up the entire crew.
I exchange my contact details with Giuseppe.
"Call me in case you need anything" Giuseppe says.
I'll definitely call him when I'll need a couple of kilos of fresh fishes.
Lucia and I don't know why, probably because of the kindness of this humble people, or because of the smell of sea, however, we feel our hearth warmed up.
As Jimi Hendrix used to say "experience it".
No comments:
Post a Comment