This is a complicated question with no simple answer. Gypsies, also known as Romani people or Roma, are an ethnic group that originated in northern India and migrated to Europe between the 8th and 10th centuries. Their history and culture is complex and spans many countries. While some Gypsies have lived in Spain over the centuries, they are generally not considered “Spanish” in the same sense as other ethnic groups native to Spain.
Brief History of Gypsies
The Romani people trace their origins to northern India, specifically to the Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab regions. The first migrations westward occurred between the 8th and 10th centuries AD. It is still unclear what exactly prompted these early migrations, but factors like invasions, wars, and economic hardship may have played a role.
The Romani arrived in Europe through Persia and Armenia, reaching the Byzantine Empire (modern day Turkey and Greece) by the 11th century. From there, they spread throughout Europe over several centuries. This was a gradual migration without a single mass movement of people.
The Romani were made up of distinct groups, called tribes, that adopted different migration paths across Europe. They arrived in Spain by the 15th century, having passed through North Africa, and settled throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The Calé tribe accounts for the largest portion of Spanish Gypsies.
Over the centuries, the Romani faced intense persecution, enslavement, and discrimination across Europe. The Romani language and culture helped them maintain their identity through it all. Spain was particularly repressive, passing laws against Gypsies as early as 1492 and continuing restrictions into the modern era.
Genetic Origins
Despite migrating across Europe for centuries, genetic studies show the Romani people trace most of their ancestry to the northwestern regions of India. Geneticists have found that Romani populations across Europe are closely related and have more in common with Indians than Europeans. This points to common origins in India.
A 2021 study examined genome-wide data from 27 Romani populations across Europe, including Spain, and compared that to modern populations in India. The study confirmed the Romani people are most closely related to northwestern groups in India like the Punjabis, Gujaratis, and Rajputs. They found no evidence of intermingling with European ancestry during the migrations westward.
So in terms of genetic makeup, the Romani people originate from India, whether they live in Spain, England, Poland, or elsewhere in Europe. Their centuries of migration did not significantly alter that genetic connection to India.
Cultural Practices
The Romani culture also provides evidence of origins in India and separation from non-Gypsies in Europe. The Romani language, music, stories, customs, and traditions point back to India.
The Romani language is the biggest cultural indicator of Indian ancestry. It is part of the Indo-Aryan branch of languages that descend from Sanskrit. Romani shares grammatical features and vocabulary with Hindi, Punjabi, and Rajasthani languages from northern India.
Other cultural practices like fortune telling, belief in mystical powers, and women’s headscarves and dress have parallels in Indian culture as well. The patron saint of Romani people worldwide is Saint Sarah, who traces back to the Indian goddess Sara Kali.
While the Romani adopted some cultural elements from regions they migrated through, they maintained a strong sense of distinct identity and preserved these ties to their Indian heritage.
Interactions with Europeans
The relationship between the Romani people and the Europeans was complex and shifted over time. When Romani groups first arrived in Europe in the Middle Ages, they were not immediately rejected. Some were able to find work as craftsmen, musicians, dancers, animal trainers, metal workers, and in other occupations.
But conflicts and distrust grew as their numbers increased. Stereotypes emerged of Gypsies as antisocial, immoral, strange, and exotic outsiders. By the 16th century, many Europeans viewed them with suspicion, fear, and hostility.
This led to ethnic persecution across Europe. Spain expelled the Romani people in 1749. Gypsies were targeted by the Nazi genocide during World War II. Widespread discrimination and marginalization continued even after that. Some integration occurred, but Romani groups largely kept separated from the mainstream European populations.
So while limited cultural exchange happened, the historical relationship between Gypsies and non-Gypsies in Europe often involved segregation, exclusion, and violence. The Romani maintained their community and customs within their own people.
Are Gypsies Considered Spanish Citizens?
The legal status of Gypsies in Spain has gone back and forth over the centuries. Roma were initially allowed as immigrants, then restricted, expelled, marginalized, and later restored some rights and protections.
Today, Gypsies are considered full Spanish citizens under the law. The 1978 Spanish constitution prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or language. Laws also aim to preserve Romani culture and identity.
However, discrimination remains common in practice. Many Roma struggle to access housing, health care, education, and employment compared to other Spaniards. Hate crimes and prejudice still occur. Their minority languages go unrecognized by the government.
So while Roma may have citizenship, many still feel excluded from mainstream Spanish society. Promoting true integration, without discrimination, remains an ongoing challenge in the country.
Do Gypsies Consider Themselves Spanish?
Most Romani people living in Spain do not self-identify as Spanish, Catalan, Andalusian, or other local identities. They view themselves as ethnically Romani first and foremost. Being Roma or Gypsy is central to their culture.
At the same time, Gypsies born and raised in Spain have adopted aspects of Spanish culture. Most speak Spanish as their primary language, along with Romani. They participate in local economies, music, food, religion, and community events. So strong connections to mainstream Spanish society exist.
But Romani groups generally consider themselves distinct from regional Spanish identities. They have their own flag, anthem, customs, dress, language, and nomadic history that separates them from non-Gypsy Spaniards.
So most Gypsies living in Spain view themselves as Roma people tied to the global Romani community, who happen to reside in Spain. Their sense of “peoplehood” supersedes national identities.
Population Statistics
Estimates for the size of the Romani population in Spain vary widely from 600,000 to 1.5 million. They comprise 1-3% of the total Spanish population. The largest concentrations reside in Andalusia, Valencia, Catalonia, Basque Country, Madrid and Castile-La Mancha.
Here is a table with population statistics for Romani people in Spain:
| Region | Estimated Roma Population |
|---|---|
| Andalusia | 220,000 – 300,000 |
| Valencia | 70,000 |
| Catalonia | 60,000 – 80,000 |
| Basque Country | 50,000 |
| Madrid | 50,000 – 70,000 |
| Castile-La Mancha | 50,000 – 70,000 |
| Aragon | 40,000 |
| Castile and León | 30,000 |
| Extremadura | 25,000 |
| Asturias | 20,000 |
| Galicia | 15,000 |
The largest percentages of Gypsies relative to local populations are found in southern and eastern Spain. These communities face high rates of poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment compared to other Spaniards.
Conclusion
In summary, Gypsies or Roma trace their ethnic origins to India but have lived in Spain for centuries. While considered Spanish citizens, they face discrimination and view themselves as ethnically Romani separate from Spanish identity. Culturally and genetically, Gypsies remain distinct from the non-Romani populace. Their history is one of persecution across Europe, including in Spain, and ongoing struggle for acceptance and inclusion.