A day of reflection and celebration
Every April 8, the world stops to honor the rich inheritance of the gypsy people. This significant date, established during the First Gypsy World Congress in 1971, is used to recognize its language, culture and history. This year, the celebration takes a special tone, as the Barcelona City Council has declared in 2023 the year of the Roma town.
Barcelona: an example of inclusion
The Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, chaired a commemorative event in the courtyard of the Town Hall, where he emphasized the importance of the Roma people as an integral part of the Barcelona identity. Collboni stated that the diversity of the Roma people enriches the city, thus promoting a plural and cozy environment. This inclusion translates into a commitment to guarantee the active participation of gypsies in all areas of citizen life.
Specific actions for equality
In his speech, the mayor said that an action plan is being developed that will involve various areas of the City Council, with the aim of promoting historical repair and equal opportunities for the Roma. This initiative seeks not only to make visible their needs, but also to build a fairer future.
You see that they resonate: Hymns of Freedom
The event included an emotional interpretation of the gypsy anthem, ‘Gelem, Gelem’, by Joaquín ‘El Duende’ and the guitarist Diego del Chiquelo, who resonated strongly among the attendees. The first vice -president of the Municipal Council of the Gypsy People, Enerida Isufi, began his speech in Rosemary, remembering the arrival of gypsies in the Iberian Peninsula 600 years ago and reiterating their presence as part of the present and the future.
A call to action
Isufi made an urgent call for a firm political commitment in favor of gypsy rights, urged representatives to join the hate speech affecting the community. Simón Montero, President of the Federation of Gypsy Associations of Catalonia, strengthened the idea of collaborating to achieve a more effective social inclusion, emphasizing that it is essential to work together.
Ritual of freedom on the Besós river
The commemorative activities will extend throughout the day. At one o’clock in the afternoon, a ritual will be held on the Besós river, which involves launching flower petals, symbolizing freedom. This action, organized by the Federation of Gypsy Associations of Catalonia, will have the participation of the city councils of Barcelona, Sant Adrià and Badalona.
An afternoon of music and culture
In the afternoon, from seven, the celebrations will be moved to Plaza de Catalunya, where the manifesto of the Municipal Council of the Gypsy People will be read. This performance will mark the beginning of a vibrant show of Flemish music and dance, which will show the cultural richness of the Roma town.
Reflections for the future
The commemoration of International Gypsy People’s Day is not only a reminder of its history, but also an opportunity to continue to fight for its dignity and rights. In times of division, it is essential that the voices that promote inclusion and diversity are felt strongly, to build a more egalitarian and fair future for all.