International Romani Day is observed every year on 8 April to celebrate the culture, identity, and rights of the Romani people while raising awareness about their historical struggles and continued marginalisation. The day was officially declared in 1990 during the Fourth World Romani Congress in Serock, Poland, organised by the International Romani Union, to commemorate the first World Romani Congress held in 1971 near London.
Origin and Historical Background
- Marks the anniversary of the First World Romani Congress (1971) held in Chelsfield (near London)
- Attended by 23 delegates from 10 countries
- Key outcomes of the 1971 Congress:
- Adoption of the Romani flag (blue-green with red chakra)
- Adoption of the Romani anthem – “Gelem Gelem”
- Recognised officially in 1990 (Serock, Poland)
Historical Context: Persecution and Identity
- Romani people have faced centuries of discrimination, forced assimilation, and exclusion
- Victims of the Romani genocide (Pharrajimos) during World War II:
- 500,000 to 1.5 million killed by Nazi regime and collaborators
- The 1971 Congress symbolised:
- Assertion of Romani identity and unity
- Beginning of the modern Roma rights movement
Who are Romani?
- A distinct ethnic group with their own language and culture
- Origin believed to be South Asia (India), later migrating to: Spain, Turkey, France
Cultural Influence
- In Spain, Romani culture blended with Iberian, Jewish, and Moorish traditions, contributing to Flamenco art
Global Presence
- Migrated to the Americas in the 19th century
- Estimated populations:
- ~1 million in the United States
- ~800,000 in Brazil
- Recognised as both a cultural and genetically distinct group