Machvaya
Machvaya Romani
East WilliamsburgCommunity Profile: Many different waves representing a diverse array of Roma communities have come to New York since at least the mid-19th century. Many were emancipated slaves who came from regions across Southern and Eastern Europe, principally Kalderasha (mostly Rusurya, or "Russians") and some Machvaya from Serbia, also speaking what is considered a "Vlax" language variety. Given a long history of discrimination in Europe, NYC Roma have kept a low profile, but many have maintained community languages as well as forms of internal organization and governance such as the local kumpanija, kris, and shato.
O
ne of the earliest reports of Roma in Brooklyn was in 1867, when a camp of what may have been Romanichal, or Travelers, coming from England, was established near what is today Flushing Avenue and Lee Avenue, becoming an overnight sensation among Brooklynites before it was resettled for the winter. Later, a Machvaya (or "Serbian") Roma community took root in Brooklyn—according to one report, many families lived on Varet Street in Williamsburg. In recent years, God's Gypsy Christian Church has hosted services for Roma community members in Sunset Park, as well as in Queens, Staten Island, New Jersey, and elsewhere.
Note that the language above may be used throughout the New York area — this is just one significant site.