A disapora spread over five continents, Gypsies have yet to enter the American consciousness. They have been arriving since the sixteenth century, and many Americans may count, unknown, a Gypsy or two among their forebears. Legacies of mistrust live in Gypsy blood, so glimpses into their lives are rare. From 1966 to 2000 Carol Miller lived among the Machvaia. Here are their stories: three-day weddings, opulent saint days, baptisms, and fabulous rituals. From Baby Steve to Big Smith, from Pretty Bobby, and Jelly John to the inimitable Lola, "The Heyday," is done, and we will not see its like again.

Carol Miller is an anthropologist who has studied the Machvaia Roma of California. She lives in Seattle.