The Blessing of the Fleet began centuries ago in Mediterranean fishing communities as a tradition meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season through a blessing from a local priest. Predominantly Catholic, though sometimes Episcopalian, the practice spread to coastal fishing communities throughout much of the world and in most ports was brought to the United States by immigrants who held strongly to their Catholic religious beliefs. In Bayou La Batre, the annual event that opens the shrimp season each May began in 1949 and became part religious ceremony, part local heritage celebration, and part tourist attraction. It centers on colorfully decorated boats cruising up the bayou to receive blessings by the Archbishop, who prays for a good harvest and a safe return, while other activities include a land parade, arts and crafts displays, dinner, and seafood contests such as crab picking, shrimp heading, and oyster shucking. The ritual varies by community from a simple ceremony to a multi-day festival, and the Bible verses most commonly used are Psalm 104, verses 24-41, and Psalm 107, verses 23-32.