Pilgrimage of the Gypsies to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Over 10,000 pilgrims in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

The Pilgrimage of the Gypsies 2024 took place from May 24th to 26th, 2024 in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, attracting over 10,000 people from all over the world. The traditional ceremonies followed the age-old ritual.

On Friday, May 24th, the solemn mass was followed by the ceremony of the descent of the relics and the procession of Sara the Black to the sea, carried by the Gypsies through the village streets to the beach. On Saturday, May 25th, the Boat of the Saintes Maries was carried in procession to the sea, escorted by the horse-riding gardians and women in traditional Arlesian costumes, in an atmosphere of fervor and intense emotion. Numerous baptisms were celebrated at the church during the pilgrimage.

2024 Ceremonies

• May 24: Solemn mass in the fortified church
• May 24 afternoon: Descent of relics, procession of Sara the Black to the sea
• May 25 morning: Mass
• May 25: Procession of the Boat of the Saintes to the sea, escorted by the gardians
• Baptisms celebrated throughout the pilgrimage

• Over 10,000 pilgrims from all over the world
• Procession of Sara the Black to the sea (May 24)
• Procession of the Boat of the Saintes escorted by the gardians (May 25)
• Baptisms and family reunions