Romani Mexicans

Romani Mexicans
gitanos mexicanos
Total population
15,850
Regions with significant populations
Mexico City, Veracruz, San Luis Potosí
Languages
Mexican Spanish, minority speak Romani languages
Religion
Christianity (especially Roman Catholicism), Folk religion
Related ethnic groups
other Romani diaspora

There is a significant Roma population in Mexico, most being the descendants of previous migrants. According to data collected by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, they numbered 15,850,[1] however, the total number is likely larger.[1] In Mexico, they are commonly known as gitanos or rom.

History

La Gitana on the obverse of the five peso note in circulation between 1937 and 1970. On the reverse was the Monumento a la Independencia. The image is based on an engraving titled The Ideal Head of an Algerian Girl.

The first gypsy group in Mexico were the Spanish gitanos that arrived during the Colonial era.

Some of the mid-19th century migrants may have arrived to Mexico via Argentina.[2]

In the late 19th and early 20th century migrants from Hungary, Poland and Russia began arriving.[1] In 1931, after a substantial colony of these latter gypsies had settled, and following complaints of delinquency, the law was changed to prohibit further settlement in Mexico.[1]

Culture

In the mid 1900s, Romani caravans were known for showing movies in rural towns (cine ambulante, traveling cinema).

Today, their economic activities mainly revolve around the sale of textiles, cars, trucks and jewelry and also the teaching of singing and dancing.[1]

Notable individuals

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Gitanos, o como ser invisibles en México" (in Spanish). Inter Press Service. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  2. ↑ "Mexico's misunderstood Gypsies live their own way". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
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