What are gypsies like in Romania?

Question

Where do they live? Where do they live in winter? What to Romanian people think of gypsies?

Answer 1

All gypsies (Rroma) I have seen in Romanian cities and villages are not nomadic.  Many live on the outskirts of villages or in poorer neighborhoods in cities, but there are some villages that have beautiful homes with aluminum roofs and many stories that are owned by local "bulibashas" (Rroma community leaders/patriarchs).  They are a sight to see as you come into Huedin on E60.  However most Rroma live a regular existance, many times alongside Romanian neighbors or in villages that were once majority German due to communist era resettling and integration measures. Although Rroma get a very bad reputation abroad for begging and stealing, many Rroma in Romania work hard by collecting scrap aluminum to sell, buying and selling used cars, selling items from stalls in markets and other jobs that range from maintenance to being famous singers and entertainers.  There is a great diversity in the lifestyle of the Rroma in Romania but I have not had but a few begging children who go away when you tell them you don't have money.  One young Rroma boy actually stopped me on the street and with a great sense of urgency told me "Domnisoara, fusta-ta e rupt!" (Miss, your skirt is ripped!) which it was.  I thanked the young man and tied my sweater around my waist until I could get home to fix it, but most experiences I have had have been neutral.  The Rroma have a fascinating history and culture, but most importantly, they are people just like you and me.  Most Romanians have no problem with honest Rroma neighbors, it is only the bad apples that cause problems and most Romanians understand that.