[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]April 8 is the International Day of the Gypsy People, a date where they claim their right to recognition and equality. In addition to celebrating not only having a rich history and culture, but also a spirit of resistance and strength. The Gypsy Secretariat Foundation (FSG) joins this global celebration, reaffirming its commitment to promoting the rights and inclusion of the Roma community.
Origins of the International Day of the Gypsy People
The choice of April 8 as a commemorative day is not coincidental. This date commemorates the First World Roma/Gypsy Congress, a historic event held in 1971 in London. This congress was a watershed moment, marking the first time that Roma representatives from different countries came together to advocate for their rights and preserve their unique culture.
It was here that important symbols such as the gypsy flag and the anthem were instituted, "Gelem, gelem«. The flag, with its design of heaven and earth united by the red wheel of a cart, symbolizes both the origin and the nomadic spirit of the Gypsy people, while the anthem, created by Jarko Jovanovic, honors the memory of the gypsy victims of Nazism.
The River Ceremony: An act of remembrance and hope
One of the most emotional traditions associated with International Gypsy Day is the River Ceremony. During this ceremony, women throw flower petals into the water, symbolizing the beauty and continuity of life, while men light candles in memory of their ancestors. This moving act serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the Gypsy people throughout history.
The Secretariado Gitano Foundation plays a crucial role in celebrating this day. Through activities such as photo shoots and public events, the FSG works tirelessly to promote the visibility of the Roma community and advocate for their equality and recognition. The urban mural “Bronce y Sueño” in Don Benito (Badajoz), for example, not only beautifies the city, but also serves as a powerful symbol of pride and belonging.
Meaning of April 8 today
Over the years, April 8 has acquired increasing notoriety, becoming an occasion for national and international institutions to hold celebrations and communication events. These events not only recognize the cultural importance of the Gypsy people, but are also an opportunity to educate the general public about their history and contributions to society.
The International Day of the Gypsy People, just like the Andalucia's day, is more than a date in the Andalusian celebration calendar; It is a day of pride, remembrance and hope. It represents an opportunity for the Roma community to celebrate its unique identity, and for society as a whole to recognize and value cultural diversity. Ultimately, April 8 is a reminder that, in a diverse and changing world, inclusion and mutual respect are essential to building a more just and equitable future for all.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/ vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJ lLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGc0xLeHZzaHY4Qk0lM0ZzaSUzRHNhcnBvUDJDTFVRZjhuNXIlMjIlMjB0aXRsZSUzRCUyMllvdVR1YmUlMjB2aWRlbyUyMHBsYXllciUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZG VyJTNEJTIyMCUyMiUyMGFsbG93JTNEJTIyYWNjZWxlcm9tZXRlciUzQiUyMGF1dG9wbGF5JTNCJTIwY2xpcGJvYXJkLXdyaXRlJTNCJTIwZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhJTNCJTIwZ3lyb3Njb 3BlJTNCJTIwcGljdHVyZS1pbi1waWN0dXJlJTNCJTIwd2ViLXNoYXJlJTIyJTIwYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
