New Orleans will soon host a unique cultural celebration that shines a light on the rich traditions and resilience of the Romani people. Welcome to Romanistan, a three-day festival taking place from March 28-30, 2025, will offer attendees an intimate look at Romani art, music, storytelling and spirituality. Presented by Bimbo Yaga and the Romanistan podcast, the event will unfold across multiple locations in New Orleans and Metairie.
The festival coincides with the release of Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling, a new book by Romanistan podcast co-hosts Jezmina Von Thiele and Paulina Stevens. The book serves as both a historical exploration and a practical guide to traditional Romani divination practices such as tarot, palmistry and tea leaf reading. In keeping with the book’s themes, the festival will feature discussions on Romani spiritual traditions alongside performances, art and altar installations, storytelling, and fortune-telling.
More than just a cultural showcase, Welcome to Romanistan is also a platform for education and advocacy. The Romani people, often misrepresented and marginalized, have a long and complex history that stretches from their origins in northwest India to their migration across Europe and the Americas. Many Roma were brought to Louisiana as enslaved people during the 18th century, and New Orleans has since served as a sanctuary for Romani communities, particularly in the wake of World War II’s Samudaripen, the Romani genocide.
The festival seeks to amplify this history while celebrating the endurance of Romani culture. A special focus will be placed on highlighting queer and trans Romani artists, ensuring that modern voices within the diaspora are recognized. Additionally, 10% of the festival’s proceeds will be donated to E-Romja, an organization supporting Romani women and girls.
Events include, but are not limited to:
- Tenessee Williams Festival Panel on Romani Tropes & Contributions in Pop Culture: A Conversation with Jezmina Von Thiele, Paulina Stevens and Alva Mara Radziszewski March 28 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Queen Anne Ballroom at Hotel Monteleone
- Tales from Romanistan – A Night of Romani Storytelling with Jezmina Von Thiele & Paulina Stevens Live Podcast Event, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Café Istanbul
- Divination Pop Up Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling March 29 from 1-5 p.m. at 1708 Lake Ave., Metairie
- Tarot & Ancestor Communication Workshop, March 30 1-3 p.m. at 1708 Lake Ave., Metairie
- Bibi’s Kitchen Culinary Ritual hosted by Bimbo Yaga &. Moonbeam, March 30 7-9 p.m.
With a blend of history, spirituality, and artistic expression, Welcome to Romanistan extends an open invitation to the public, offering an opportunity to experience the vibrancy of Romani culture firsthand. In a city known for its deep cultural roots and diverse influences, this festival is poised to be a meaningful and joyous addition to New Orleans’ event calendar.
For more information about the Romanistan festival and a full schedule of events, visit here.
