This is a tradition specific to the north of the Pays d’Arles, and traces of these festivals can be found as early as the 18th century. Each cart or “carreto ramado” represents an agricultural brotherhood.
The “carreto ramado” are large carts magnificently furnished and decorated with foliage and local products which parade through the villages during the brotherhood festivals such as that of Saint-Eloi. They are pulled by draught horses harnessed “en flèche” (in a queue), the number of which varies from twenty to fifty.
These horses are richly harnessed in the Saracen style: bridles and collars decorated with woolen tassels, ribbons, pompoms and feathers, small mirrors, bells and bells. Each horse is held by a cart driver in traditional dress, often accompanied by ladies and girls in Arles costume.
In the Alpilles:
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence :
• The Saint Eloi’s Cart : in May or June
• The Carreto Ramado : 15th August
Saint-Étienne-du-Grès :
• The Saint Eloi’s Cart : in August
Maussane-les-Alpilles :
• The Saint Eloi’s Cart : in June
Aureille :
• The Saint Roch’s Cart : in August
