The April 8th we celebrate the International Day of the Roma People to give visibility to this people and to recognize their contribution to world history and culture. In addition, this day is intended to end the stigma and discrimination that the Roma people have endured for so many years.
International Day of the Roma People 2022
The first International Day of the Roma People was celebrated in Serock (Poland) in the year 1990. It was thus declared as an official date during the fourth World Roma Congress of the International Roma Union and also as the anniversary of the first meeting of international Roma representatives that was held in London in 1971.
Why is International Roma Day 2022 celebrated?
This day is intended to give visibility to the gypsy people of which its origin is not yet known. We do know that it is a very old breed and we also know some traditions of its culture that come from centuries ago.
It is believed that the origin of the gypsy people is legendary and that, in addition, they represent an important part of our culture, although they have always suffered from exclusion as well as the clichés that remain today and that they are associated with bohemian and wandering people. However, they have known how to work to earn respect in world history and a place in society.
The history of the gypsy people is closely linked to Spanish history although it has its origins in India. However, contact with so many other peoples has made them adapt to different countries and cultures.
How is International Roma Day 2022 celebrated?
On this day, members of the Roma community and those who want to show their support show the gypsy flag. This flag is green and blue that symbolizes the sky and the countryside, which has a red wheel in the center symbolizing the path that starts from India towards freedom.
It is also sung gypsy anthem known as “Gelem, gelem” which means “I walked, I walked” and was composed by Jarko Jovanovic and also recalls the gypsies who were victims during Nazism.
One of the most famous ceremonies that occurs on this day is the river ceremony. In it, women throw flower petals into their local river and men light candles that commemorate their ancestors.