Day of Romas 2023: The Day of Romas is celebrated annually on April 8 in Kosovo. This day recognises the Romani people, their culture, and the challenges they face. Approximately 12 million Roma continue to suffer from poverty and exclusion in Europe. The existence of widespread anti-Gypsyism reinforces and exacerbates their economic and social vulnerability. Despite ongoing national, European, and international efforts to reduce anti-Roma and anti-traveler prejudice, discrimination, and crimes, these disparities persist. The Day of Romas brings hope for a future where no Roma is discriminated against due to their ethnicity and birth.
HISTORY OF DAY OF ROMAS
When the fourth World Romani Congress of the International Romani Union was held in Poland in 1990, the Day of Romas was declared officially. It was one of the earliest international gatherings of Romani representatives of significance.
The day is dedicated to Europe’s largest ethnic minority, the Roma, who face discrimination and isolation on a regular basis. This celebration also highlights the history, culture, language, and aspirations of the Roma. The study and promotion of Roma culture and language, as well as the protection of minority languages, are of particular concern in the European Union. The EU has offered support for the preservation of the already endangered Roma language. Some funds are allocated to the study of the history, culture, and language of the Roma, and some E.U. member states have implemented programmes that teach Roma culture in schools.
The Roma’s history is marked by migration waves, deportations, and internment. As a result of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s forced assimilation, the community experienced massive migrations in 18th-century Spain and France during World War II. The Roma were subjected to the worst atrocities during the Roma Holocaust, when the Nazis exterminated the Roma. Sadly, the general public is still largely unaware of this fact. Following World War II, communist regimes compelled the Roma to abandon their nomadic way of life and settle in segregated areas. The Roma were compelled to reside in settlements with deplorable living conditions, perpetuating centuries of discrimination against them. The Roma continue to face discrimination, but efforts are ongoing to restore their dignity and ensure equality for the community.
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5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE ROMAS
The Romas have their roots in India.
According to linguistic analysis, the Roma language has its roots in Hindi.
There are 12 million Roma around the globe.
They are among the most numerous ethnic minorities.
They endured dreadful persecution
Two million Roma were killed in concentration camps, according to estimates.
Roma music is intriguing.
It has elements of jazz, bolero, and flamenco.
They are still subject to discrimination.
In 2013, 10 thousand Roma were expelled from France.
WHY DAY OF ROMAS IS IMPORTANT
It encourages equality for all
The Day of Romas is dedicated to ushering in an era of equality for all races and ethnicities, particularly the Roma. This is a fight against discriminatory practises and an effort to ensure the dignity of the Roma.
It makes us responsible citizens.
The day reminds us of the discriminatory practises that affect certain races and ethnicities unequally. It is time to stand up not only for the Roma, but for all communities suffering from prejudice.
The Day of Romas depicts an alternate past
It is disgraceful that something as tragic as the Holocaust against the Roma is not yet widely known. Day of Romas presents an alternate history and encourages the reader to seek out stories that are frequently overlooked.
DAY OF ROMAS DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 8 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 8 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 8 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 8 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 8 | Thursday |
