About Us

The Fremantle Community, The Rock Lobster and Fishing Community and the Italian Community have come together to celebrate this tradition since 1948, signifying the devotion, respect and joy that this festival holds for many generations and cultures. The post war immigrants who settled in Fremantle from the picturesque cities of Molfetta and Capo D'Orlando brought with them the rich tapestry and culture which Italy is renowned for and in particular their tradition of the Blessing of the Fleet, a long held devotion. Festival by the Sea will be an inaugural part of the event celebrations highlighting the magnificence of the Italian culture through the promotion of music, art, culture and cuisine that Italy is loved and renowned for.

The Italian culture is one of the modern world’s richest cultures, going back to the times of ancient Rome and beyond. With over a million citizens of Italian origin living in Australia today, the Italian language and culture are of ever increasing importance.The strong presence of the Italian community in Australia has captured the interest of Australians from all backgrounds, and the community is eager to familiarize themselves with a culture which has become increasingly admired, valued and respected. Australia prides itself on being a multi-cultural community and this project will introduce the Italian culture to a wide range of people from all walks of life.

Western Australia is one of Australia’s most culturally diverse states and our advancing universal society has gained increasing relevance for arts and cultural organizations. Cultural diversity is an integral part of Western Australia’s social fabric and the Blessing of the Fleet Festival in conjunction with Festival by the Sea offers an opportunity to highlight the significant contribution the Italian community has given to Western Australia.

The cultural sector is potentially one of the most powerful mediums through which to facilitate a more cohesive and harmonious society. The event will offer the Western Australian community benefits by showcasing the creative and diverse input of the Italian-Australian Community.

Festival participants will come together as a united, integrated nation, proudly embracing the core set of values that Australia is built on, promoting community harmony in Australia’s multicultural society. The Festival will be a world class historical and cultural event that will reflect a global view of the world in keeping with Western Australia’s cosmopolitan nature and the globalisation of the 21st century in Western Australia.

While our backgrounds, experiences and interests are different, our shared values connect us as Western Australians. The project will emphasize common interests rather than differences. Artists have the capacity to break down cultural barriers and create cross-cultural understanding.