The Romanies Are Coming

Gypsies Come To Celebrate Together

Every May for 8 – 10 days Gypsies from all over Europe and even further afield, converge on the little port of Ste Maries de la Mer in the Camargue to celebrate together their patron Saint Sara and their baptisms and weddings. This is a festival which started in the Middle Ages and which now attracts 8,000-10,000 people each year. The small town is overtaken by caravans, some gypsy and many larger and shinier, by beautiful horses and by travellers many of whom are dressed in full flamenco gear. Those who forgo the Spanish national costume are likely to be dressed in full cowboy gear which is the normal attire of the people who tend the bulls of the Camargue.

In The Crypt Of A Beautiful Church Holding Many Weddings & Baptisms

Ste Maries has become the meeting place for these celebrations as it was purported to be the place where Sara, the patron saint of gypsies, arrived by boat with the Mary Salome and Mary Jacobs, two of the mothers of apostles. In the crypt of the beautiful church is the effigy of Sara which is bedecked with more and more garlands as the celebrations get into full swing. Wedding, after wedding and baptism after baptism follow every day and not leaving the horses out of all of these blessings, they are processed through the town into the sea for their own special service. Being able to be part of these very special events is a real treat for people who buy property in Languedoc-Roussillon.

Evening Celebrations Of Dancing, Singing & Loud Music

The evenings are loud with the sound of gypsy dancing, singing and guitars and violins playing and those who manage to get home to their caravans early enough are seen in the mornings sitting on the steps of their caravans weaving baskets ready to sell to the many tourists who arrive daily to share in these most colourful celebrations. If you decide to buy a property in Languedoc-Roussillon you will be sure to love this colourful annual event.