Prayers, Pilgrims, and Parties

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Prayers, Pilgrims, and Parties

Every May gypsies from all over the world descend on the small French costal town of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to take part in a huge gypsy pilgrimage, the event is part religious event, part tourist phenomenon.

Isabella Moore is a Sydney photographer currently based in Paris. She took the photos you're about to see at the pilgrimage of Saint Sara, patron saint of the Romani people. Every May, Roma from all over the world descend on the small French costal town of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer for what Isabella describes as, "part religious event, part tourist phenomenon". She followed the revellers, documenting the contrast of modern-day Gypsies and the countless tourist-carrying hippie vans which pour into the town each year.

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The procession involves everything from white stallions, dancing pilgrims, and waves of flamenco and jazz musicians; all following the statuette of Saint Sara through town and to the water's edge. There everyone joins in a “ritual bath” in the ocean. Once the procession is done the participants celebrate the affirmation of faith and culture in the best possible way—partying hard all night long.

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Gypsy children and French tourists enjoy the beach.

Believers of Saint Sara (the gypsies patron saint) carry the cross down to the ocean's edge.

Gypsies carry Saint Sara back up from the ocean's edge to take her to the church.

Onlookers watch the procession, Saintes Maries de la Mer.

Gypsy men carry the sacred cross and emblems for Saint Sara.

A girl in traditional Gypsy dress walks in the procession.

A gypsy family from Avignon, France pose for a photograph at the beach.

Gypsy children and French tourists enjoy the beach.

Sign seen at Saintes Maries de La Mer.

French Tourists grab some sun before heading home to their towns.

A gypsy family at Saintes Maries de la Mer.

A gypsy caravan parked beside the beach.