Events on the International Romani Day
April 8th, the International Romani Day, was celebrated in Romania through various events
Corina Cristea, 09.04.2019, 13:21
The International Romani Day, celebrated on April 8th, was marked in Romania by a string of events, held over several days. The ‘Romano Kher’ National Romani Culture Center and the National Agency for the Roma prepared a marathon of cultural events, hosted by the National Peasant’s Museum in Bucharest. ‘The Roma have had their own international day only since 1971, and that is why they love to celebrate it and to have many people getting to know them.’
According to the organizers, any ethnic group is best represented by its cultural products, and so is the case with the Roma. For three days, Roma silversmiths, woodcrafters and brass bucket manufacturers demonstrated their traditional skills. Alongside them, contemporary artists introduced the participants to current forms of Romani cultural manifestations. The list of such manifestations was long, as the government also took an active part in organizing events such as painting exhibitions, a dance show and several anti-discrimination marches.
The events covered a broad range of means of cultural expression, such as traditional crafts, music, theatre, traditional costumes, gastronomy, photo exhibitions and a book stand. The deputy representing the National Minorities group, Daniel Vasile, gave a speech in the plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies, stressing the fact that April 8th must be a symbol of peaceful cohabitation, of tolerance and inter-ethnic dialogue.
Daniel Vasile: “In the history of the Roma, April 8th is a moment of celebration. However, the real reason for celebration is this people’s power to survive. This is an important opportunity for us all to condemn any form of racism and discrimination against the Roma. I would like to end by telling you who the Roma are a dignified people, a people of survivors.”
“April 8th will be truly a day of celebration when the economic, social and cultural emancipation of the Roma will bear fruit” said the Romanian head of state, Klaus Iohannis, in a message he conveyed on the occasion. He also condemned racist manifestations and the marginalization of the Roma population. The Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila also conveyed a message reading that Romania, as an EU member, and as the country currently holding the presidency of the Council of the EU, will keep on promoting and protecting the rights and freedoms of all Romanian citizens, irrespective of their ethnicity.
