Every city, large or small, in southern Romania has one or more poor quarters where the Rom live. These neighborhoods are better known as Mahalas. In the bustling Mahala with its eastern air and many merchant stalls, swarms of boisterous children take over streets and lanes with their games. Elderly women (babele) sit outside their houses, ever on the watch so as not to
miss any goings-on in the neighborhood's social life. Above all, imbued in the fabric of the Mahala are the music and festivities of the Rom. The most incredible parties, which may last up to three days, may be organized around a tape player on the corner of a lane or a world renowned taraf (band of musicians) - and there, it goes without saying, dance takes centre stage. Whether spontaneous or planned well in advance, these parties feature, among others, such standards as Hore, Sârbe, Bâtute and Manele. Turceasca falls in the last category, which is currently the most popular type of dance.

Presented by Sonia Dion & Cristian Florescu in 2008. View pdf here.