I spent time fact checking this because I knew it was a bold statement. I know Shutka is not the largest Roma community in the world, no way, so that’s why I made sure to note “concentrated”. That’s what I read from several sources and having an area of less than 3 sq miles with a population between 20,000-50,000 depending on the season, 60-80% of which are Romani (obviously figures are subject to change and inaccurate recording), I do believe it has to be somewhere at the top.

Another point I want bring up is why I personally decided to call it “Gypsy Capital of the World”, because that is also bold. That has more to do with the advancements that have been made in the community with “capital” being used here in a loose administrative sense. As I mentioned above, the fact that they have their own TV and radio stations, Romani as an official language, and active participation of Roma politicians in the Macedonian government is highly commendable for a minority that many countries, especially Romania and Bulgaria, often fail to acknowledge.

Here are two good articles that might be of interest to you. The last one is pretty old, but I think it’s still good:

http://www.theworld.org/2011/09/gypsies-roma-shutka-macedonia/
http://www.errc.org/article/nezdet-mustafa-portrait-of-a-romani-politician/1244

By the way, I just have to throw this out there while I am at it – I am by no means trying to position myself as a Roma expert or activist! I’m just a girl fascinated by the culture and happy to promote it where I’ve seen people working hard to preserve it. If someone wants to prove me wrong or enlighten me, be my guest. I’m here to learn!

One question though: how could this be the largest Roma community in the world? I’m pretty sure there are much larger Roma neighborhoods in Bulgaria and Romania, which have a lot more Roma to begin with. Am I wrong on that one?

Never knew a community like this existed in Macedonia. When is the wedding season? And are you an undercover crasher?