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Greetings. I've heard about this festival that takes place every year on May 25. Can anyone tell me about it - I'd like to go in 2007. Is there much flamenco? Is it a welcoming environment for payos? Any advice for me? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.
RE: Gipsy festival at Sainte-Maries-... (in reply to aammaguiar)
aammaguiar, This is in the Camargue region of France. I'm not sure if you would hear Spanish Flamenco here, although Manitas de Plata was discovered here and the Gypsy Kings come from the same region, so there will probably be lots of Camargue style Rumba. For authentic Andalucian Flamenco, you'd be better going to one of the festivals in Jerez, Sevilla, Cordoba etc.
Posts: 1770
Joined: Jul. 11 2003
From: The Netherlands
RE: Gipsy festival at Sainte-Maries-... (in reply to aammaguiar)
Hi Aammaguiar,
I was there this year for a week with two frends, We played on the street over there and where invited for some parties. Even jammed with the Baliardo family. Lot of Rumba Catalan, and Django style.Also Romanian gipsy music. The only who played flamenco was me, and they very much apreciated it. But with the three of us we played Rumba style, and that is what they enjoy the most. They do not mind if you are a Payo or not, got most compliments and applause on the streets from gipsy's. But when we walked with the guitars after playing to a terras to drink something we got kicked of by the local people. They thought we where gipsy's, strainge world... 10.000 Gipsy's are coming to the place, never feeled uncomfertable, For the flamenco it is not the best place, but the Rumba, and Gipsy music in general and ofcourse the ambiance is perfect. There is a bar called "Le Felibre" there are coming the "incrowd" There is late in the evening music, be sure you are there till late, because it is happening after 2400 hour Maybe my frends and me will go back next year.... feel free to email me or ask here if you have more questions. Peter