Foire aux santons et aux crèches de Marseille (Santons and cribs fair)

A veritable showcase for the skills of santon craftsmen, this event was born shortly after the French Revolution and has managed to generate real popular fervor and defy the test of time without ever taking on a single wrinkle. Marseilles has become the santon capital, and created its first fair 220 years ago.
As such, it's the oldest santon fair in Provence, a tradition handed down from generation to generation, and one that delights young and old alike every year-end! Always colorful and representative of Provencal trades, the santons and their fair attract many visitors in search of the new character to enrich their Christmas crib.

The inauguration will take place on Sunday November 20 at 12pm, to the sound of tambourines and in the presence of folk groups, at the end of the santonniers' mass celebrated in Provençal, in the church of Saint Ferréol les Augustins, located on the Quai de la Fraternité.

Children's santon-making demonstrations, donkey rides and Provençal dancing, music and song will liven up the fair and set the mood.
Following the example of the "Santa Klaus village" in Lapland, the Post Office will set up a real letterbox where children can write and drop off their letters to Santa. Stamps and envelopes featuring vintage santon fair posters will also be on sale.

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