Traditional Romani (Gypsy) Occupations and Cultural Practices

The Romani people (often called "Gypsies"—a term some consider pejorative) have diverse traditional livelihoods shaped by mobility and marginalization:

• Arts & crafts: Metalwork (coppersmithing, tinsmithing), basketry, woodcarving.
• Music & dance: Flamenco (Spain), manele (Romania), jazz manouche (France), Balkan brass—global influence.
• Horse trading & husbandry: Historical niche; still active in some regions.
• Fortune-telling & healing: Palmistry, tarot, herbalism—cultural services often stigmatized.
• Seasonal labor: Agriculture, construction, recycling/scrap.
• Itinerant trade: Door-to-door sales, market vending, repair services.

Modern Roma pursue all professions; traditional roles persist alongside integration. Discrimination remains a barrier in Europe.