Finding Romany Gypsies: A Journey of Connection

As a teenager, I became deeply curious about my Sinti roots. While many around me accepted their identity as “Gypsies” without question, I yearned to understand the lives of other Romany tribes around the world. How do their traditions compare to ours? Do they face the same struggles as we do in Germany? This quest for knowledge sparked my desire to travel and connect with various Gypsy tribes across Europe.

Throughout my travels, I discovered that groups like the Sinti, Manouche, and Lallre share significant commonalities. They speak different dialects of Romanes, often distinguished only by their accents, and can be found in countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France, and Italy. However, my research led me to a fascinating new avenue: the British Romanichal.

Initially, the internet presented a mixed bag of information. As I delved into the world of English Gypsies, I encountered various nomadic people claiming to be Gypsies, some of whom bore little resemblance to my own tribal heritage. Yet, through perseverance, I eventually stumbled upon the Romanichal. My instinct told me, “Yes, these are my people.” I dedicated time to studying their traditions and language, largely relying on Google for information.

After years of researching and connecting with Romanichals through Facebook, I found validation in our similarities. We share many traditions, our physical appearances echo one another, and we even use words common to the Sinti dialect of Romanes. It was a beautiful revelation that solidified my connection to this tribe. Then, one day, while exploring the DNA database MyHeritage, I discovered that I was genetically linked to Romanichals. This finding was not just a coincidence; it was proof of the blood ties that connect our tribes. It became clear to me that Sinti and Romanichals are indeed related, intertwined by history and heritage.

The Gala

One night, as I scrolled through TikTok, a live stream caught my attention. It featured four women discussing a Gypsy Gala, an event dedicated to educating others about Romany tribes and traditions. Intrigued, I followed them and peppered them with questions, noting the striking similarities between our tribes. It was then that I decided to attend the gala, eager to support my cousin tribe and strengthen the ties between Sinti and Romanichals, which had been severed for too long.

My journey took me first to Blackpool, where I explored the piers and was warmly welcomed by Sarah Petulengro and her sister Nancy. Their hospitality was heartwarming, and we shared a lovely time together. When the day of the gala arrived, I dressed in “Peaky Blinders”-style attire from the 1920s. As I stepped into Crewe Hall, the venue for the event, I was captivated. This stunning old building resembled a castle, and inside, it was lavishly decorated, radiating elegance and glamour. The attendees looked amazing, perfectly embodying the theme.

Charmaine and her family welcomed us with open arms, making me feel right at home. The evening unfolded beautifully, filled with delicious food, jazzy music, and laughter over drinks. As the night progressed, many showcased their talents through singing, a traditional practice for the Romanichals during celebrations. It was a delightful way to conclude the gala, echoing the warmth and spirit of our shared heritage. Authentic voices from both the Sinti and Romanichal tribes brought us together, creating a rich tapestry of music and stories that celebrated our connected past and hopeful future.

One of the most memorable moments came when Charmaine's mother began sharing stories of the Romanichal way of life, recounting her own experiences and the rich history of her tribe. Her narratives painted vivid pictures of resilience, love, and the struggles faced by the Romanichal people. Listening to her tales, I felt as if I were experiencing Romanipen—the essence of Romany life—in its truest form. The warmth of her stories wrapped around us like a comforting embrace, highlighting the deep bonds that tie our tribes together.

Looking ahead, I’m already excited for next year’s gala. I plan to bring many more Sinti along to experience the warmth and charm of the British Romanichal tribe. This connection is essential; we must continue bridging the gap between our tribes.

The gala was a testament to the resilience and beauty of our tribal identities, and I am immensely grateful to Pride of Romany for orchestrating such an incredible evening.

The Day After

The day after the gala was equally memorable. I had the opportunity to meet Charmaine’s family for a meal, an intimate gathering filled with laughter and stories. As we shared delicious dishes, we discussed our future plans—how we could collaborate to promote understanding and unity between our tribes.

The conversations flowed freely, each sharing insights about our tribes, aspirations, and the challenges we face. It was heartening to recognize that despite our geographical distance, our struggles and dreams were intertwined. We spoke about organizing future events that would continue to strengthen our ties and celebrate our rich tribal heritages.

The warmth of Charmaine's family, the shared laughter, and the delicious food reminded me of the importance of these connections. It’s through these bonds that we can navigate our shared identity and preserve our traditions for generations to come. As I left, I felt a renewed sense of purpose—determined to honor our roots and continue fostering connections that celebrate our collective journey as Romany people.

In the end, my quest to find Romany Gypsies led me not just to new faces but to a deeper understanding of who we are and where we come from. Together, through our blood and tribal ties, and the authentic voices that bring our tribes together, we can pave the way for a future where our tribes thrive in unity and celebration.