Gypsies praying to Saint Sara and the Saintes Maries, Saintes Maries de la Mer, Camargue, France

Gitans in devout religious fervour. During the prayer mass on the 24th May before the procession of Saint Sara takes her down to the sea, the Gitan pilgrims pray to Saint Sara in the church, and witness the lowering of 'La Chasse' containing the remains 'relics' of the two Saintes Maries - Marie Jacobe and Marie Salome, the cousins of Mary Magdalene, after which the seaside town of Saintes Maries de la Mer gets its name.

Europe, France, Camargue, Saintes Maries de la Mer. Gypsies praying inside the church and crypt, to their patron Saint Sara and to the Saintes Maries. Marie Jacobe and Marie Salome. Catholic gypsies come from all over Europe to celebrate this festival in mid-May every year. There are many masses, christenings and private prayers during the gypsy pilgrimmage.

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Contained in galleries: Saintes Maries festival church mass

Gitans in devout religious fervour. During the prayer mass on the 24th May before the procession of Saint Sara takes her down to the sea, the Gitan pilgrims pray to Saint Sara in the church, and witness the lowering of 'La Chasse' containing the remains 'relics' of the two Saintes Maries - Marie Jacobe and Marie Salome, the cousins of Mary Magdalene, after which the seaside town of Saintes Maries de la Mer gets its name.<br />
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Europe, France, Camargue, Saintes Maries de la Mer. Gypsies praying inside the church and crypt, to their patron Saint Sara and to the Saintes Maries. Marie Jacobe and Marie Salome. Catholic gypsies come from all over Europe to celebrate this festival in mid-May every year. There are many masses, christenings and private prayers during the gypsy pilgrimmage.