Fête des Gitans, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, May 2024

Every spring, the Gens du Voyage (Romanies, Manouches, Tziganes, and Gitans) travel from all corners of Europe and even from other continents to the small town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, in the Camargue region of southern France. They come to venerate their patron saint, the Black Sara. For eight to ten days, they camp on the streets, squares, and beaches, effectively making the town their home. The pilgrimage is a time for reunions with friends and family, and many children are baptized in the Church of the Saints.
Inside the church, the reliquaries containing the sacred relics are slowly brought down from the “High Chapel” by means of a winch, in the midst of the songs and praises. The statue of Saint Sara is carried to the beach and immersed into the sea, accompanied by pilgrims, penitents, musicians, horse-riding gardians, and Arlesiennes in traditional costume.