Today we celebrate Roma Day

#Today #celebrate #Roma #Day

National Roma Day, also known as International Roma Day, is celebrated on 8 April every year to commemorate the first Roma Congress held in London in 1971.

At this congress, the then International Gypsy Committee was transformed into the International Romani Union (IRU), and April 8 also became an official day of remembrance. The day represents the unity and community of the Roma, despite the fact that they do not have their own country but are spread all over the world.

The Roma have lived in Sweden since at least the 16th century, but it was not until the year 2000 that Sweden recognized the Roma as an official minority. Today, Romani culture and language (Romani chib) are protected by Swedish law. International Roma Day is observed in various ways in around 40 countries, including candle lighting, tree planting and commemoration ceremonies to honor Roma victims of anti-Roma abuse.

At the 1971 congress, symbols such as the Roma flag and the national anthem “Gelem, Gelem” were also established. The flag consists of blue-green colors symbolizing heaven and earth, and a red wheel representing the historical connection of the Romans with India and their continuous quest and wandering.