V - The ajuntadora

La Caly was born into a family of ajuntadoras - the Spanish name for the women who test the bride's virginity.

She is the fourth generation of her family which has exercised the profession, inheriting it from her mother when she died. She, in turn, will pass it on to her daughter.

Within the Gypsy community, her position is one of prestige and respect. Sensitivity and integrity, the wedding guests explained, are considered the most important qualities for her profession.

Such is La Caly's reputation that she travels right through the spring months, officiating at Gypsy weddings right around Spain and as far afield as Paris and Lisbon.

In this case La Caly has come to Zaragoza by train on a round journey of several hundred kilometres. Her fee and travel costs are paid for by the bride's and bridegroom's families.