Talk of brides being sold causes bristling among the Kalaidzhi, who represent a small proportion of Bulgaria's 700, 000 Roma.

NPR: Gypsies Flock To Bridal Fair As Parents Negotiate

The families gathered here are part of a community of about 18, 000 Roma known as Kalaidzhi, who traditionally make a living as coppersmiths.

NPR: Gypsies Flock To Bridal Fair As Parents Negotiate

But prices still rise for a "very beautiful" young woman with many suitors, said Velcho Krastev, who has written extensively about the Kalaidzhi.

NPR: Gypsies Flock To Bridal Fair As Parents Negotiate

Kalaidzhi, who are almost all devout Orthodox Christians, are known to remove girls from school at 15 or even earlier to keep them from mixing with boys.

NPR: Gypsies Flock To Bridal Fair As Parents Negotiate