Kalderash


The Kalderash are a subgroup of the Romani people. They were traditionally smiths and metal workers and speak a number of Romani dialects grouped together under the term Kalderash Romani, a sub-group of Vlax Romani.

Etymology

The name Kalderash in Bulgarian, kalderaš in Serbo-Croatian, 'котляри in Ukrainian, and кэлдэрары descends ultimately from Latin caldāria, in effect describing their trade as tinkers; see also the related to the Romanian word căldăraș. Many Roma and non-Roma living throughout Europe have the surname "Caldaras", linking their ancestry to this Romani subgroup.

Distribution

There are about 200,000 Căldărari living in Romania. They spread throughout Ukraine migrating from Bessarabia to the north and east.

Employment

Due to industrialisation, metalcraft is no longer as profitable, so the Kalderash have diversified their sources of income, though often they remain in metallurgy.

Customs

The Kalderash traditional dress is one of the most famous Romani traditional dresses, and is still worn. They usually marry at a very young age and have very strict customs relating to hygiene.

Notable Kalderash