Large crowd gathers for pilgrimage of travellers in Southern France

Thousands of people attended a traditional gypsy or travellers pilgrimage in the southern coastal French village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. The festival is a blend of religious tradition and carnival, with a grand procession, music, dance, and a festive atmosphere. 

A significant event is the procession where the statue of Saint Sara is carried from the church to the sea and back, re-enacting her arrival in France. Every year, thousands of Roma, Manouche, Tsiganes and Gypsies come from all over Europe to worship Sara la Noire, the patron saint of travellers, for eight to ten days.