Gypsies have been renowned for centuries for their outstanding talents in the arts, particularly dance and music. The origins and migration patterns of the Gypsies remain somewhat obscure, but their first origins are thought to originate in Rajasthan, northern India. They were known as ‘Roms.’
Gypsies migrated from India over the centuries because of wars, famines, and work opportunities. Earlier migrations of tribes from India were recorded in the 5th century A.D. The first tribes migrated to the west through Afghanistan and Persia, and then along the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, they diverged. They split at the crossroads of Palestine. Some went north into Europe, while others went through Palestine into Egypt and North Africa.
Historical records also indicate that Spanish Gypsies came from both Europe and Morocco. Several famous Spanish Gypsies sing about their origins in Egypt. The Gypsies use music, dance, and puppetry to tell their stories. They have no written history. As a result, it can be difficult to know any exact facts about their history, so it is more accurate to speculate.
Here are some fabulous historical photographs of gypsy dancers in Madrid in 1960. LIFE photographer Loomis Dean took the pictures
