97th Annual Blessing of the Fleet kicks off with poster unveiling, royalty introduction
BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV)- The kick off to 2026’s Blessing of the Fleet festivities took place Wednesday night at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Biloxi.
This year’s Shrimp King and Queen contestants were introduced and the 2026 poster was also unveiled.
The Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition that is now in its 97th year, where local shrimpers line up in the Biloxi Channel to receive a blessing from a priest for a bountiful harvest.
Organizers say there were 19 entries for the poster contest. Artwork by Elizabeth Alexander was selected.
This year’s blessing mass followed by the coronation of the king and queen will take place May 30.
The official blessing ceremonies and shrimp festival take place Sunday, May 31.
