In Nice (the only maritime outlet of the House of Savoy), where the sea has always played an important role, every day the fishermen head out to sea 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 have placed themselves under the protection of Saint Peter. 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 July 3rd, in the Port district.
Yesterday, late in the afternoon and later in the evening, in adherence to this tradition, a Mass was celebrated at the Church of Notre-Dame du Port, followed by a procession of the fishermen from the church to the Quai d’Entrecasteaux before the boarding of the statue of Saint Peter, along with the priest and officials who laid a wreath at sea in tribute to the deceased fishermen and sailors.
A parade of boats accompanied the ceremony, with musical accompaniment by the folk group La Ciamada Nissarda.
