Regal or Ragged: The Roma always wear joy

Or what "dressing up" means in Romani culture

Dancha and Trayan at their wedding. Her, dressed like a goddess. Him, in jeans, a yellow t-shirt with a skull print, and a ripped jacket. Around them, members of the tribe. Can you identify the dress code?

Mainstream culture believes the Romani are too extravagant. When they decide to dress up, they really bring it.

Bright colors. Dresses that look like princess gowns. Glitter. Gold. Heavy jewelry, heavy make-up. Elaborate hairstyles and tiaras.

Here is one example. The picture below is from Vela and Nicky’s wedding. Vela is in the cream dress, Nicky and in the black glittery suit and neon sunglasses. Vela’s sister, Dancha, and her husband Trayan, are the maid of honor and best man, and they are dressed up in bright red. Vela and Nicky’s son, toasting to their champagne with an energy drink, is also wearing a suit.

Vela and Nicky’s wedding in July 2022

But let us show you a couple of more pictures: from Dancha and Trayan’s wedding 3 years earlier.

Dancha is dressed like a goddess. The groom, Trayan, is in jeans and a yellow t-shirt with a printed skull. Nicky is in mismatching shorts and t-shirt, with a cowboy hat. Pepi, Dancha’s uncle, is in a camouflage outfit.

Dancha and Trayan's wedding in October 2019

And if you’re about to assume that “rules are more relaxed for men,” here are two more pictures. In them, you can see Nada joining the wedding procession and dancing, still in her work clothes from her street-cleaning job.

Dancha and Trayan's wedding in October 2019

So, what is the dress code for Roma celebrations?