Romani Mexicans
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 15,850 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, Mexico City | |
| Languages | |
| Mexican Spanish, minority speak Romani languages | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity (especially Roman Catholicism), Folk religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Romani diaspora |
There is a significant Roma population in Mexico, most being the descendants of previous migrants. According to data collected by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía, they numbered 15,850,[1] however, the total number is likely larger.[1] In Mexico, they are commonly known as gitanos or rom.
History
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]
Today, their activities mainly revolve around the sale of textiles, cars, trucks and jewelry and also the teaching of singing and dancing.[1]
Culture
In the mid 1900s, Romani caravans were known for showing movies in rural towns (cine ambulante, traveling cinema).
Notable individuals
- Alfonso Mejia-Arias - musician, writer and politician
See also
- La Lagunilla Market - popular with Romani merchants
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Gitanos, o como ser invisibles en México" (in Spanish). Inter Press Service. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
- ↑ "Mexico's misunderstood Gypsies live their own way". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
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