Pilgrimage of the gypsies
Every year, from May 24 to 26, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer hosts an iconic event: the pilgrimage of the Gypsies. This is a moment of faith celebration, and tradition deeply rooted in the Gypsy culture, attracting thousands of pilgrims from various backgrounds to honor their patron saints, Sara the Black, Mary Salomé, and Mary Jacobé.
Set in the beautiful landscape of the Camargue, this pilgrimage is one of the most important for the Gypsy community. It goes back in centuries and is rich in history and symbolism. Pilgrims converge on this sacred site to pay tribute to Saint Sara, often revered as the patron saint of the Gipsies, as well as to the Saintes Maries, who, according to Christian tradition, arrived on the shores of the Mediterranean sea.
The festivities often begin with a colorful procession through the picturesque streets of the town, where pilgrims carry images of their saints and offerings of flowers. Gypsy music fills the air, accompanying the joyful steps of the faithful. Traditional dances, songs, and prayers enliven the atmosphere, creating a vibrant and spiritual ambiance.
At the heart of this gathering is the church of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, where pilgrims flock to participate in special masses and religious ceremonies dedicated to their patron saints. The fervor is palpable, with chants and prayers echoing through the ancient walls of the church, uniting the community in a shared sense of devotion.
In addition to the religious aspects, the pilgrimage is also an opportunity for the Gypsies to come together, reconnect with their roots, and perpetuate their ancestral traditions. Stands offering Gipsies culinary specialties, traditional crafts, and local products add a festive dimension to the event, creating a lively market where flavors and colors blend in a warm atmosphere.
The votive festival
The votive festival in Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a traditional celebration that takes place every year around the same time. This year, it’s from June 19th to June 23rd, 2024!
Here’s the events schedule:
- Wednesday 19th: Votive festival parade.
- Thursday 20th: Draille des 5 Gorges breakfast.
- Friday 21st: Salan breakfast / Music festival.
- Saturday 22nd: Breakfast / at 4:30 pm, Camargue bull race at the Arenas, young bull race celebrating 120 years of Gardian Nation.
- Sunday 23rd: Breakfast at Bouvau d’Aubanel / at 4:30 pm, Camargue bull race at the Arenas, Avenir level.
The Horse Feria
During the Horse Feria, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer becomes the meeting place for equestrian arts, with horses celebrated as gods. The Horse Feria 2024 will take place this year from July 12th to July 15th. This festival has been around for over 20 years and brings together all enthusiasts of horses, bulls, and Gypsy music, the three essential pillars of the identity of Les Saintes and Camargue culture.
Dressage, vaulting, equestrian shows follow one another at the arenas with the most prestigious artists and riders of the moment. The streets and squares of the village are also part of the celebration with parades, equestrian competitions, demonstrations, and flamenco nights!
The Festo Vierginenco
Established in 1903 by Frédéric Mistral, this day aims to reaffirm the importance of the Arlésienne costume.
During this event, 15-year-old girls wear the ribbon and traditional Arlésienne costume for the first time, accompanied by their godmother. They don a outfit consisting of a cotton skirt, a black blouse called “èso,” a white scarf, and a navy blue ribbon. They are awarded a diploma and pledge to perpetuate this tradition, keep it alive, and pass on their knowledge to future generations.
Today, only the village of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer has managed to maintain and preserve this custom.
The program for this day, which will take place this year on July 28th, includes a mass in the Provencal language, a parade of the young girls accompanied by their godmothers and mounted guardians, the diploma ceremony, the blessing of the foals in the arenas, as well as equestrian games.
Saladelle Festival
Every year on August 31st, the village of Les Saintes Maries de la Mer comes alive to celebrate “La Fête de la Saladelle,” honoring the iconic flower of the guardians. The event promises an immersion into local traditions, including a day dedicated to ancient practices, thrilling Camargue bull races, demonstrations of “abrivado” and “bandido,” all topped off with the generous distribution of Saladelle, the symbol of this unique festival.
Horse Festival
A major annual event in Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. The program includes a horse fair, saddle market, parade, musical performances, and a free show at the arenas… Mark your calendars for September 29th, 2024!