#New Work Les Saintes Maries de la Mer - Camargue / by rick smee

Les saintes maries de la mer

Gypsy Pilgrimage
During the month of May, Roma, Manouches, Gitanos, Ciganos and Gypsies come from all over Europe descend upon a small village in the Camargue. The church in Les Saintes Maries de la Mer and the village itself play host to one of Europes most colourful festivals as the Roma attend the pilgrimage of their patron saint, Sara. During the festivities, a  statue of Sara, carried by the Gypsies to the sea, symbolises the waiting for and welcome of the Saints Mary Jacobe and Mary Salome.

Course Camarguaise
The week long festivities include bullfighting event, one of which is peculiar to the is part of the world, Course Camarguaise.The razeteurs compete against one another to remove, as quickly as possible, the objects placed between the bull's horns. These are strings, tassels and a cockade which each earn the razeteur a cash prize upon removing it.