Kalderash

Roma confederation

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June 30, 2026

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The Kalderash are one of three main confederations within the Roma ethnic group. Originating from the Balkans and then moving into central Europe, they are the most numerous of the Roma subgroups. The Roma people trace their origins to northern India and are traditionally itinerant, with most now residing in Europe. They speak Romany, a language related to those of northern India, alongside the languages of their current countries of residence. Historically, Roma groups migrated from India through Persia and into Europe by the 14th century.12

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Roma
Names and subgroups
…three main confederations: (1) the Kalderash (smiths who came from the Balkans and then from central Europe and are the most numerous), (2) the Gitanos (French Gitans, mostly in the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, and southern France, historically associated with the arts of entertainment), and (3) the Manush (French Manouches,…
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…three main confederations: (1) the Kalderash (smiths who came from the Balkans and then from central Europe and are the most numerous), (2) the Gitanos (French Gitans, mostly in the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, and southern France, historically associated with the arts of entertainment), and (3) the Manush (French Manouches,…
Read More