Romani people in Poland
Romowie w Polsce | |
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| Approx. 50,000 (2011, census, Indo-Aryan origins) Indo-Aryan origins (including those of ancestral descent) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Małopolskie, Dolnośląskie, Mazowieckie, Warsaw, Poznań, Wrocław, Łódź, Kraków, Mielec, Puławy and Nowa Dęba regions. | |
| Languages | |
| Baltic Romani, Polish, Kashubian, German | |
| Religion | |
| Majority Roman Catholicism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Romani people in Belarus, Romani people in the Czech Republic, Romani people in Germany, Romani people in Hungary, Romani people in Lithuania, Romani people in Slovakia |
The Romani people in Poland (Polish: Romowie w Polsce) are an ethnic minority group of Indo-Aryan origins in Poland. The Council of Europe regards the endonym "Roma" as more appropriate when referencing the people, and "Romani" when referencing cultural characteristics. The term Cyganie (IPA: [t͡sɘˈɡaɲɛ]) is considered an exonym in Poland.
Major Roma groups in Poland include: the Polska (Polska Roma), Kalderash, Lovari and Bergitka Roma; the Polska Roma are the largest group.
The recorded history of the Romani people in Poland dates to the 15th century. As per historical linguistic evidence, the Roma likely arrived in present-day Poland between 1400 and 1500. Further evidence from the 20th century exhibits the Roma's persecution by occupying forces of Nazi Germany during the Holocaust, and subsequent alienation in the Polish People's Republic. The collapse of the Eastern Bloc and Poland's transformation brought about societal and economic developments for the Roma. The Romani language is composed of several dialects, influenced by Slavic languages. Rituals followed, such as the "Romani Caravan of Memory", pertain to the Roma's history in Poland. There is also a significant local adherence to a culturally influenced Roman Catholicism.
Compiled evidence from the early 21st century shows that the Roma experience difficulties and successes in acquiring quality housing in Poland. Roma children are also reported to be enrolled in school, with some requiring 'special-needs' assistance. Roma continue to experience tensions such as high unemployment rates, forced evictions, violence and societal ostracisation.