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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.
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Κείμενο Isabella Moore

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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