Sara e Kali/Saint Sarah is the patron saint of Romani people. She is said to have helped Mary Magdalene, Mary Salome, and Mary of Clopas arrive from a river in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France. Some stories say she was in the boat with them or even that she is Jesus’ secret daughter but those are less popular.

Her pilgrimage takes place on May 24-26. Roma celebrate this day by offering gifts to her statue (usually jewelry, fabric, gold, flowers), parading around the town, and submerging her statue in the river while also submerging themselves. Music, weddings, and trade is common among visitors in the town. Roma from all over Europe come to visit.

Historians believe Sara is a direct tie to our Indian/Hindu heritage. The celebrations are similar to how Hindus honor goddess Kali. Many historians believe that the group who left India and became the "Romani people" once worshiped Kali, and Sara is the Catholicized version.

It’s a very popular holiday among Roma, so I figure I’d inform you all on it. Here are some pictures of the festivities if you would like to see.

:rom