How do the Roma afford lavish celebrations despite living in extreme poverty?

Nicky, Vela, and their children toasting with champagne in a limo on their way to a lavish celebration they hosted in a restaurant. At this point in time, they know that a week later they will be evicted from social housing with no other place to live | September 2024

Perhaps the biggest point of contempt from outsiders when it comes to Romani culture is the unapologetic joy. What mainstream society likes to hide and downplay, the Roma put on display.

Love?

While we post vague pictures of silhouettes and anonymous intertwined hands to “soft launch” a relationship on Social Media, the Roma rush to change their profile picture with a photo with their partner, their handle (from “Mary” to “Mary and Tony Forever”) and announce to the entire world that they are in love. While mainstream married couples like to “banter” and “downplay” their feelings for each other, and “gently tease” each other when out with friends, the Romani treat their partners like royalty. They rush to fill their cup, …