Kale (Welsh Roma)
Kalé, Kalá, Valshanange | |
|---|---|
A Kalé family in Bala, Wales, 1951 | |
| Total population | |
| 700 to 1,000 (1991, est.) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Northwestern Wales | |
| Languages | |
| Welsh, Welsh Romani and English | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, Romanipen |
The Kale /kɑːˈleɪ/ (also Kalé, Kalá, Valshanange; Welsh: Roma yng Nghymru, Sipsiwn Cymreig, Cale) are a Romani subgroup predominantly found in northwestern Wales, specifically in the Welsh-speaking areas. Roma have been present in Wales since the 16th century.
The Kale were traditionally renowned musicians, and are reported to have introduced the fiddle to Wales. They were also known for their distinctive styles of clothing, dance, poetry and storytelling.
The Kale are closely related to the Romanichal, Romanisael, Kaale and Scottish Lowland Roma. They are considered part of the Gypsy (Romani), Roma and Traveller (GRT) community. Romanichal are present in South Wales (in and around Cardiff, Swansea and Newport) and North East Wales (in and around Wrexham as well as in parts of Wales close to Liverpool and Chester). The Romani people can trace their origins to South Asia, likely in the regions of present-day Punjab, Rajasthan and Sindh.