Here in Monterrey, let’s delve into the story of the Roma people in Mexico. The Roma, also known as Romani or gitanos, have a history in Mexico marked by invisibility. Their story offers a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s diverse cultural landscape.
President Porfirio Díaz wanted to “whiten the race”. He imported families from Europe. But instead of the desired families, he got gypsies from Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria. This historical anecdote highlights the initial perceptions and stereotypes surrounding the Roma.
The 2000 census recorded about 15850 Roma in Mexico. Researchers believe this number is an underestimate. This discrepancy suggests a challenge in accurately representing the Roma population.
What do the Roma do in Mexico? Many are involved in buying and selling textiles. They also deal in clothing, cars, trucks, and jewelry. Some Roma are performers. They teach singing and dancing.
David Lagunas from the National School of Anthropology and History says gypsies have been “de-historified.” They don’t appear in the history of Mexico. This lack of historical representation contributes to stereotypes and negative images.
The first Roma arrived in Mexico in the 1890s. They came from Hungary, Poland, and Russia. They settled in the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. More Roma arrived between World War I and World War II. They often came from Hungary.
However, in 1931, Mexico reformed immigration laws. These reforms banned Roma from settling in the country. This ban followed accusations of criminal activities. The last major influx occurred in 1969. These Roma came from Spain. They settled in Mexico City.
Today, you’ll find Roma communities in various cities. These include Mexico City, Veracruz, Puebla, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. San Luis Potosí has some of the best-known Roma communities.
Pablo Luvinoff was a leader in the Roma community. He was murdered in a hospital in Mexico City. This event highlighted internal disputes within the Roma community.
The Roma in Mexico face discrimination. Few complaints have been filed. This could indicate a reluctance to engage with authorities.
Several authors and photographers are working to break down ignorance. They want to end the silence surrounding the Roma community in Mexico. Ricardo Pérez Romero published “La lumea de noi. Memoria de los ludar de México” in 2001. This book explores the history and daily life of the Ludar people. They are gypsies from Romania.
Lorenzo Armendariz is a Mexican photographer. He is known for his portraits of different ethnic groups. He discovered that his grandfather was a gypsy. Armendariz lived with the Roma. He created photo exhibits.
Some Roma groups travel with battery-powered film projectors. They bring movies to villages and towns. This echoes scenes from Gabriel García Márquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude”.
Mexico’s largest television network, Televisa, broadcast “Yesenia”. It was about a young gypsy woman. Luvinoff served as a screenplay consultant on “Yesenia”.
The Roma in Mexico represent a vibrant. They are an often-overlooked community. Their history is woven into the broader narrative of Mexican society. Their contributions, struggles, and unique way of life deserve recognition.