International Romani Day

International Romani Day is an international holiday dedicated to the Roma people. It is designed to raise public awareness of Romani culture and to eradicate existing stereotypes about Roma, as well as to combat discrimination. The holiday is observed annually on April 8.

History

The history of International Romani Day begins in 1971. From April 7 to 12 of that year, the first international gathering of Roma took place in the English city of Chelsfield. These gatherings demonstrated the strength and unity of Romani diasporas around the world. Various issues were discussed at the meetings, including public relations, education, and initiatives to eradicate discrimination. However, the holiday was officially established much later, at a convention in Poland in 1990.

The Romani people originally lived in South Asia and were nomadic, often performing as itinerant musicians in the courts of rulers. Over time, they migrated to different parts of Europe, and their culture absorbed various traits from other cultures. The Romani people endured much suffering during WWII, when they were severely persecuted by the Nazis. Today, the Roma remain one of the most oppressed peoples, and this holiday is meant to address and rectify that.

Interesting Facts

• In the early 19th century, many Roma migrated to the United States.
• Today, the largest Roma diaspora is in the United States, with about 1 million people. Brazil has around 800,000 Roma.
• The languages spoken by Roma within their culture are usually derived from Sanskrit.

How to Celebrate

Congratulate family and friends on this holiday if they are Romani. Take the time to learn more about Romani culture on this day. Watch movies about them, and read interesting information on the Internet.

Share information about the holiday on social media. Ask users how they feel about Romani culture.

When is International Romani Day in 2025?

International Romani Day is observed on April 8 each year.

Observations