France Events and Festivals

5/23/2007 - 5/25/2007Gypsy Pilgrimage

Each year, thousands of locals, gypsies, pilgrims and tourists travel to the picturesque seaside town of Saintes Marie de la Mer to participate or witness this incredible Gypsy Pilgrimage ("Pelegrinage Gitane"). It is held in honour of Sara the Black or Black Sarah, the patron Saint of Gypsies and the three Marys - Mary Magdelene, Mary Jacob and Mary Salome - which give the place its name as the "Marys of the Sea". The pilgrimage includes an impassioned all-night vigil and a procession leading a statue of Sara down to the sea where she is ritually washed in the cleansing waters. Like all good gatherings, the event is accompanied by music, dancing and feasting. During the celebrations the town swells in size as over 10,000 gypsies and worshippers from all over the world flock to participate in this age-old ritual