Roma are the people commonly referred to as Gypsies, known to most as the sellers of roses in cafes and players of lively music on the sidewalks of Europe.
Though their origins and history are poorly documented, it is commonly agreed that the Roma migrated to Europe from India, sometime around the 11th century. Because Roma in Europe have generally adopted the customs and religion of the countries where they've settled, Romani culture is very diverse and hard to define. One of the characteristics traditionally associated with Roma is a nomadic lifestyle, but many contemporary Roma are permanently settled. To some extent, Roma can be identified by their dark complexions and their style of dress (woman usually where long skirts and braided hair), but these traits are far from definitive.
One of the few characteristics shared, unfortunately, by the majority of Roma in Europe is a history of persecution that continues till this day. Roma are often illiterate, live in substandard housing conditions, and are discriminated against by governments, the police, and the general population.
In Greece, there are an estimated 300,000 Roma out of a total population of about 11 million. With the exception of those who migrated from Albania and other neighboring Balkan countries in the past decade, the 
Roma are Greek citizens and legally have all the rights and responsibilities that citizenship entails. However, racism, poverty, illiteracy, and fear combined make it difficult for the Roma to exercise these rights. Many Greek Roma live in shantytowns known as parangas, and work as unlicensed street vendors. Children often work instead of going to school and are therefore destined to a cyclical poverty. In 2001, the Greek government allocated 300 million euros to an eight-year program meant to further integrate the Roma into society, but due to poor planning and corruption, little of this money has actually reached Roma communities.
About Parangas
Paranga is a Greek word which can be translated to mean shack, but which generally refers to the makeshift homes which Gypsies build on the outskirts of cities and towns throughout the country.
Parangas are usually arranged in a settlement, with each house providing for one family, surrounded by the homes of their extended family and friends. In the center is an open space for weddings, holiday celebrations, and everyday gathering.
The paranga walls are usually built of whatever scraps of wood, metal, and cardboard are available, with plastic tarp over the roof and either dirt or cement for the floor. Utilities such as water, gas, and electricity are either non-existent or improvised; many homes have generators or a cable running to the nearest lamppost for electricity, barrels of water carried from a distant source, and a wood-burning stove for cooking and heat.
The exterior of a paranga is often painted light pink or lavender, and decorated with potted plants and hanging lights. Inside, family photos adorn the walls and simple furniture is arranged around the hearth.
