Hi,
I have no Romany roots, that I know of, but I have been to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer for the festival. It was one of the most spectacular and memorable days ever with gypsy families gathering from all over Europe to watch the procession of the saints through the streets and the final mass gathering on the beach whilst the bearers took the effigies into the sea.
One of the things I remember most clearly - it is about twelve years since I was there - was the extraordinary beauty of the people, from the truly lovely young girls and their mothers and grandmothers, who seemed to age in a way which left me green with envy, to the men who became more strikingly handsome as they got older. The costumes they wore for this occasion were quite stunning, probably seeming all the more so because of the Mediterranean blue sky and sunshine.
After the official ceremonies, which were extremely moving, we wandered back through the town to where we had left our car. On the way, in one of the bars, some of the gypsy families were playing music and singing their traditional songs. We very much wanted to stay but felt that it would have been intrusive so, reluctantly, we left.
We have been back to the town and to other bits of the Camargue region but never to the festival. It is on my list of things to do! If you get a chance - don't miss it.
Jen
