"Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer" Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer by shannsow

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the 'Saint Marys of the Sea', is a small fishing village located on the south-central coast of Mediterranean France in the Camargue region of Bouches-du-Rhone.

The annual pilgrimage in May to Saintes-Maries de la Mer in the Camargue region of France is observed by Roma from all over the world, but especially the Gitans, Roma, Sinti, and Manouches of France. Their purpose is to pay respect to Sara-la-Kâli, or Sara the Black.

Near to Aigues Mort is the village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a coastal town. It is said that the three Mary’s, present at the crucifixion fled here, accompanied by the servant Sarah. Sarah has been adopted as the patron saint of gypsies and between the 23 and the 25th May there is a Fete where Gypsies congregate in the town and on the 25th after an all night vigil a statue of Sarah is carried into the waves. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is featured in the book 'Caravan to Vacares'