Pilgrimage to Saint Sarah the Black

[sillydoll]

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, on the coast of southwestern France, is a village steeped in legend, history, and tradition that lives on today. Gypsies (Gitanes) from all over Europe gather here every spring on a pilgrimage – the Pélerinage des Gitanes – to honor their saint, Sarah

One legend (there are many) says that close to 20 centuries ago, a boat came ashore on the Rhone River delta. In the boat, which miraculously drifted across the Mediterranean Sea without sails or oars (familiar story?) were three Marys – Mary the mother of James and sister of the Virgin Mary, Mary the mother of two apostles, and Mary Magdalene. With them were other refugees, including Sarah. The Gypsies call her Sarah-la-Kali, Sara the Black

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On May 24 and 25, Sarah and the Marys are carried aloft through town to the sea. Chanting crowds of Gypsies, gardiens (cowboys) on horseback, priests with megaphones, violinists, tourists, townsfolk, all march to the water where the statue is blessed before the procession heads back to the church. Then Mass is held in a church packed with fervent worshipers.

http://www.europeupclose.com/saintes-ma ... ilgrimage/