Indeed, this Marseilles tradition was born from the people’s enthusiasm for the Christ nativity, as well as the creation of this typically Provence character : the “santon”. Bringing some of the eldest Santonniers families, it allows people to buy some of the rarest and most original santons as well as ancient “crèches”, made from craft paper, “liege” or glued paper.

The « foire aux santons de Marseilles » is opened every year, from November’s last Sunday till the 31st of December. Its opening is rythmed by the drums sound and the regional bands dances, just after the santonniers’ mess, told in Provence language.

Each Santonnier created charachters inspired by tradition and history, like the shepherd offering the sheep, and the woman with the black chick, whom soup was good for babies. So, you can find within those characters every little work from the last century.