Gypsies
Gypsies
Roots in Motion: The Roma Traditions of Lesvos"
Roots in Motion: The Roma Traditions of Lesvos"
Photography by Alessandra Pagani
This series explores the vibrant traditions, daily life, and enduring spirit of the Roma community in Lesvos, Greece. Often marginalized and misunderstood, the Roma have preserved a rich cultural identity through their music, dance, craftsmanship, and strong sense of family.
Through these images, I aim to present an honest, respectful, and intimate view into their world — one filled with resilience, celebration, and deep-rooted customs. From traditional ceremonies to moments of quiet dignity, this work seeks not only to document but to honor a culture too often left in the shadows.
Project Title: "Roots in Motion: The Roma Traditions of Lesvos"
As a photographer, I’m drawn to stories that live on the edges — stories that survive, endure, and shine in spite of silence. This project is a personal journey into the heart of the Roma community of Lesvos, where tradition and identity are woven into every gesture, ritual, and celebration.
The Roma of Lesvos possess a cultural heritage that is both ancient and constantly evolving. Their customs — from music and dance to faith and family — speak to a deep resilience and an ongoing negotiation with the modern world. Yet these voices are often overlooked or misrepresented. Through my lens, I seek to offer a more intimate, nuanced portrayal: not as outsiders, but as storytellers of their own experience.
Each photograph in this series captures moments of authenticity — a wedding dance in vibrant motion, the quiet preparation of a feast, elders passing wisdom to youth. These are not staged portraits; they are lived realities. This work is not only about documenting, but also about listening — and about using photography as a bridge between communities, history, and humanity.
"Roots in Motion" is a photographic exploration of the Roma community living on the island of Lesvos, Greece. It documents their traditional customs, social life, and evolving cultural expressions in a time of shifting identities.
Spanning several months of immersive fieldwork and personal connection, the series offers an inside view of a resilient and vibrant culture. From sacred rituals to everyday moments, the images trace themes of continuity, adaptation, and pride. The work aims to challenge stereotypes, celebrate cultural richness, and spark dialogue about inclusion, representation, and respect.
This project is both a visual archive and an act of solidarity — a way to recognize the Roma not merely as subjects of history, but as active participants in a living tradition.