Romani people: history and culture in photos

Society 8 April, 2014 16:13

On April 8, 1971 Romani chose their flag and hymn. The date was set to mark the International Romani Day. There are from 8 to 12 million Romani in the world today, most of them living in Europe (Spain, Romania, Bulgaria), South America (Brazil and Argentina). There are approximately 220,000 Romani in Russia. More about Romani culture and history in this photo gallery by ITAR-TASS.

Romani system of values has taken centuries to develop and today affects the lives and moral of modern Romani. Photo: a man smokes in a Romani village in Romania, 2003 Around 220,000 Romani live in Russia. Photo: Romani in Moscow, 1989 From 8 to 12 million Romani live around the world today, with approximately a million in the USA, 680,000 in Brazil, 650,000 in Spain, 535,000 in Romania Romani clothes are very colourfull. Usually, women wear long skirts and dresses, and a lot of jewelry One of the most well-known features of Romani culture is the dance Romani culture is rich in music and folklore All Romani communities and subgroups have their own traditional dish. For most communities one of the most special dishes is the hedgehog. Photo: a Romani family in Romania, 2004 Romani law regulates the life of communities. Oldest members see to the law being followed. Photo: Romani in Ukraine, 1989 Ancestors of Romani were mostly Hindu of religion, but they adopted Christianity or Islam depending on missionary activity in the countries they settled in Apart from raising children, begging and haggling are considered mostly appropriate for women Respect to the elderly and attention to children are important parts of Romani culture The main value for Romani people is belonging to the community Romani culture and history is extremely rich and is of Indian heritage. Photo: Romani caravan getting ready to move, Romania, 2003 Romani continue to live in the Middle East The Romani people have several sub populations, the largest being the Roma and the Iberian Calé A Romani celebration in Bilbao, Spain, 1958 The first migration waves spread to the territory of Byzantium, later they settled in areas around Europe. Photo: Romani celebration in Sofia, Bulgaria Romani is a collective name for around 80 ethnic groups of Indian origin. The first migrations from India took place in the 6th century. Photo: Romani wedding in Yorkshire, 1933