Tuesday, 5 January 2016

Port de Grave Annual Boat Lighting

Newfoundland and Labrador is known for it's rich and unique heritage,culture and traditions.  We celebrate  Christmas with a vengeance.  There are so many awesome, and some very unusual, traditions.  Many people start decorating for Christmas by the end of November and leave everything in tact, including the Christmas tree, and all decorations and lights, until after Old Christmas Day, on January 6.

Well, the people of Port de Grave take Christmas and decorating for Christmas to a whole new level,  They hold an annual boat lighting, where the fishermen decorate all of their boats in the harbor with Christmas lights.  This past Christmas, the area celebrated it's 17th annual boat lighting.  To learn a little more about this tradition, click here.  

Port de Grave is actually a peninsula on Conception Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.  It is about a 75 minute drive from St. John's.  Last week, we decided to take the drive out to see what all the fuss was about.  Wow!!!!!!!  We did not expect the treat that we got.  It is so picturesque, and the scene of the  harbor with all the boats covered in Christmas lights was simply magical. 

Have a look............











It was so cold, but we were dressed warmly and I was able to get a nice few shots from different viewpoints. Despite the minus 9 Celsius temperature, it was a spectacular site well worth the drive.  

My hat goes off to the organizers and the people of Port de Grave for starting, and 
continuing this tradition.  I can't imagine how cold it must be, climbing about on 
these boats and stringing hundreds of lights----
but I'm sure glad they do it!!!

Next December, if you are in the area, give yourself 
an unforgettable present--
go and enjoy the Port de Grave Annual Boat Lighting. 

Cheers
:)

12 comments:

  1. Such a great tradition and your pictures are beautiful!

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  2. So pretty! Some day I hope to see it myself.

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  3. I have never seen this done before. It's brilliant.

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  4. I don't think I could have taken the cold, so I would rely on someone like you to share the adventure with me!

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  5. I have been to Port de Grave, but in the summer, not at Christmas time. It's a lovely area with ocean all around. I'd love to see the boats all lit up like that, beautiful. Lovely pictures!

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  6. I have been to Port de Grave, but in the summer, not at Christmas time. It's a lovely area with ocean all around. I'd love to see the boats all lit up like that, beautiful. Lovely pictures!

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  7. What a super idea. We put lights up pretty early here but usually take them down after Jan 01.

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  9. Kathleen
    Wishing you a very healthy, happy new year!I am back.
    Such beautiful photos!Wow

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  10. Love it all, so relaxing when I am stressed at work I look at your site many times
    D

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  11. Just stumbled upon your page, thanks so much for highlighting Port de Grave, we are very proud of our annual Boat Lighting hope you get the chance to come again this year. Joyce Morgan, Organizer.

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