Heart and Soul: Saint Sara

Join Roma photographer Artúr Čonka on the annual Romani pilgrimage to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the south of France.

Thousands of Romani from across Western Europe gather in a small town in Provence each year to honour their patron saint, Sara-la-Kâli, who represents motherly love, is a protector of the oppressed, and is even said to help couples conceive.

The streets are packed with musicians playing rumba, flamenco and manouche jazz and Artur’s keen to uncover the legends behind this enigmatic saint and what she represents to the Romani community today. The community takes enormous pride in sharing their culture.

Produced by Victoria Ferran

Broadcast: 28th June 2024