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Get ready to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Romani people on April 8, also known as International Romani Day! This day was first declared in 1990 at the Fourth World Romani Congress in Poland, as a way to raise awareness about the issues faced by this ethnic minority group. The Romani people have a unique history and traditions that have been passed down for generations, making them an integral part of many countries' cultural fabric. So let's come together and honor their contributions on this special day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1000 AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Romani Migration Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Romani people begin their migration from Northern India towards Europe, establishing a diaspora that spans worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1400s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Arrival in Eastern Europe</div><div class='timeline-text'>Romani groups reach Eastern Europe, where a majority of the Romani population will eventually reside.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1930s-1940s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Romani Holocaust (Porajmos)</div><div class='timeline-text'>Hundreds of thousands of Romani are killed during the Holocaust, a tragic event also known as the Porajmos.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First World Romani Congress</div><div class='timeline-text'>The First World Romani Congress is held in London, promoting international unity and cultural pride among the Romani.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Declaration of International Romani Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>International Romani Day is officially declared at the Fourth World Romani Congress in Poland to celebrate Romani culture and raise awareness of their issues.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find an event in your community that celebrates Romani culture, such as a concert, dance performance, or art exhibit. Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and customs of the Romani people.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Romani history and culture</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to educate yourself about the Romani people and their rich history and culture. You can read books, watch documentaries, or attend lectures to learn more about this often misunderstood community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support Romani businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Seek out and support businesses owned by Romani individuals, whether it's a restaurant, shop, or online business. This is a great way to show your support for the Romani community and their contributions to society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share Romani music and dance</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a Romani music and dance night. You can introduce them to the beautiful and lively traditional music and dances of the Romani people, and have a great time together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer with a Romani advocacy group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local or national organization that works to support and empower the Romani community. You can volunteer your time, skills, or resources to help make a positive impact on the lives of Romani individuals and families.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates an important cultural heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Romani Day is a celebration of the rich and vibrant culture of the Roma people. It's a reminder to honor and appreciate their contributions to art, music, language, and traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes awareness and understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By celebrating International Romani Day, we can educate ourselves and others about the Roma community, their history, struggles, and achievements. This helps to promote empathy, tolerance, and respect for diversity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Romani Day is a day of unity and solidarity for the Roma people all over the world. It's also a way for individuals from different backgrounds to come together and celebrate their shared humanity. As they say in Romani culture, "Jekhetane sikavava - Together we are stronger."</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Romani Language is Still Widely Spoken and Diverse</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite centuries of migration and dispersion, many Romani groups have retained use of the Romani language, which has several dialects and demonstrates the rich linguistic heritage of this ethnic group.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Romani Flag is Symbolic of Their Identity</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Romani flag, formally recognized in the First World Romani Congress, has a blue and green horizontal stripe symbolizing the heavens and earth respectively, along with a red spoke wheel alluding to their Indian origin and travelling lifestyle.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Notable Contributions to Arts and Entertainment</h3><p class='facts-content'>Romani have made substantial contributions to the fields of music, dance, and entertainment across the globe. Renowned figures like Django Reinhardt, a jazz musician, are of Romani descent.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There's a Specific Romani Anthem</h3><p class='facts-content'>"Djelem, Djelem" is the Romani anthem. Sung in the Romani language, it was officially recognized at the first World Romani Congress and speaks of the pain and pride of the Romani history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>International Romani Day is a Global Celebration</h3><p class='facts-content'>While originating in Europe, International Romani Day is celebrated around the world - everywhere from South America to Australia - highlighting the global footprint of the Romani diaspora.</p></div></div>
International Romani Day is celebrated on April 8th every year. In 2024 International Romani Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Apr 8
Saturday
2024
Apr 8
Monday
2025
Apr 8
Tuesday
2026
Apr 8
Wednesday
2027
Apr 8
Thursday
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