Kale (Welsh Roma)
| |
|---|---|
Kale, taken in Bala, Wales, 1951 | |
| Total population | |
| No reliable data. In Wales, 3,630 identified as Gypsy or Traveller in the 2021 Census. | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| North Wales, Mid Wales | |
| Languages | |
| Welsh Romani language, Welsh, and English | |
| Religion | |
| Catholicism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Romanichal, Romanisael, Kaale, Calé |
The Kale (also spelled Kalé /kɔ.leɪ/, or Welsh Gypsies; Welsh Romani: Kā̊lē; Welsh: Teulu Abram Wood or Sipsiwn Cymreig) are a Romani subgroup predominantly found in Wales, particularly in the Welsh-speaking areas. Romani people have been present in Wales since the 16th century.
The Kale are closely related to the Romanichal, Romanisael, and Kaale subgroups. The Romani people can trace their origins to South Asia, likely in the regions of present-day Punjab, Rajasthan and Sindh.
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.