SAINTES MARIES DE LA MER
FRANCE

As every year the days 24, 25 and 26 may mark a change of reality in the coastal town of Saintes Maries de la Mer located in the heart of the French Camargue. There, faithful citizens of the world come to the meeting with the desire to feel life in purest form. Lovers of history, tradition, religion, human energy and the incomparable light of the Mediterranean. But the real protagonists of this turmoil of emotions is represented by the gypsy people and their staunch love for Sara, his black Virgin. The image of Santa Sara is surrounded by mystery regarding its origin. For the gypsy people, Sara was a slave who embarked from the Holy Land fleeing persecution by the Christians. In the same ship traveled illustrious women like Maria Magdalena, Santa Marta and the also venerated in Saintes Maries de la Mer, Maria Jacobé and Maria Salomé. During the voyage, famine was passing and they were about to sink by the force of the sea. Then Sarah made the promise to God that if they arrived alive she would never take off her handkerchief again. Currently the figure of Santa Sara is in the crypt of the Church Notre Dame de la Mer. There he receives a multitude of women's handkerchiefs that seek his blessing to become pregnant. Santa Sara Kali is considered the patroness of gypsies and travelers.