Roms, a Mouvable Feast
Read MoreRomani, a movable feast
Faith, Religion and music play an important role in the Romani society.
The Romani musicians (also called țigani lăutari) who perform at traditional Romanian events, weddings and gatherings are virtually all Roma, although their music draws from a vast variety of ethnic traditions—for example Romanian, Turkish, Jewish, and Slavic—as well as Romani traditions.
Flamenco music and dance came from the Roma in Spain; the distinctive sound of Romani music has also strongly influenced bolero, jazz, and Cante Jondo in Europe. European-style Gypsy jazz is still widely practised among the original creators (the Romani People).
Though Romani ethnic groups have different sets of rules, some rules are common for all and this also apply to music and religious references.
Saint Sarah, or Kali Sara, has been revered as a patron saint in the same manner as the Blessed Ceferino Giménez Malla, but a transition occurred in the 21st century, whereby Kali Sara is understood as an Indian deity brought by the refugee ancestors of the Romani people, thereby removing any Christian association. Saint Sarah is progressively being considered as "a Romani goddess, the Protectress of the Roma" and an "indisputable link with Mother India".
Each year, in May, approximately 10,000 to 15,000 Romani people go on a pilgrimage to Les-Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer in Southern France. Roma arrive in caravans for celebrations, weddings and religious ceremonies.
GitanesGipsyRomaniRomsSaint SaraSainte SaraSainte Marie SalomeSainte Marie JacobeSaintes Maries de la MerCamargueFranceEurope