Tag Archives: Culture

News Western Europe United Kingdom

Scotland Cultural Genocide

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Scotland Cultural Genocide

Equalities Minister Simita Kumar acknowledged the findings of a report labeling historical policies against Gypsy Traveller communities as “cultural genocide” and emphasized the ongoing impact of these policies through intergenerational trauma.

The report highlighted the forced assimilation practices from the 1940s to the 1980s, which included threats of child removal and forced settlement, supported by the UK Government and local authorities.

A Scottish Human Rights Commission report recommended financial compensation for victims, citing failures by the Scottish Government and local councils to provide adequate housing for Gypsy Travellers, constituting a breach of international rights.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Museum of Romani Culture

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Museum of Romani Culture

Five signatories criticized the Culture Ministry’s decision to dissolve the Oversight Board for the Museum of Romani Culture, claiming it contradicts a prior promise to maintain the board until a new structure was agreed upon.

The minister, Oto Klempíř, justified the dissolution by stating the need for independence and to avoid conflicts of interest, asserting that the ministry still values Roma community involvement in the museum’s future.

The signatories emphasize the importance of Roma representation in decision-making regarding cultural heritage and demand concrete steps for their participation in the museum’s direction.

Montenegro News Eastern Europe

Roma Night

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Roma Night

The event “Romska noć” (Romani Night) will take place on November 4, 2026, at Propaganda bar in Nikšić, celebrating the World Romani Language Day on November 5, focusing on the preservation of the Romani language and culture.

The program includes a panel discussion on the status of the Romani language in Montenegro, an exhibition of Romani legends, and a karaoke competition featuring Romani songs.

The event is organized by several cultural organizations and aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Romani language and cultural identity, with free entry for all attendees.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Who are We?

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Who are We?

A community program titled “Who Are We, Roma?” was held to showcase the diverse values of Roma communities and promote dialogue and acceptance among different cultures.

The event featured discussions led by experts, including a Holocaust historian, emphasizing the importance of understanding Roma identity and cultural heritage.

Participants engaged in activities that highlighted the significance of combating racism and fostering empathy and respect in society, alongside tasting traditional Roma cuisine.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Minority Culture Fund

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Minority Culture Fund

The Minority Cultural Fund (Kultminor) has announced its first call for applications for 2027, allowing Hungarian, Roma, and Rusyn minority applicants to submit funding requests by November 2, 2026.

The aim of the funding is to preserve, express, protect, and develop the identity and cultural values of national minorities, as well as to support educational activities related to minority rights.

A total of four application rounds are planned for 2027, with the next calls scheduled for November and December 2026, and January 2027.

Moldova News Eastern Europe

Roma Culture

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Roma Culture

A meeting was held between 20 young Roma from Moldova and representatives of the Ministry of Education to discuss promoting Roma cultural and linguistic identity, as well as expanding access to education. Key topics included the introduction of a subject on Roma history and culture in schools, teacher training, and providing educational materials, along with the possibility of teaching the Romani language as a mother tongue.

The Ministry, in collaboration with European institutions, aims to ensure equal educational opportunities for Roma children and has planned to offer 120 merit scholarships for the academic year 2026-2027.

News Eastern Europe Poland

Memory Camp

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Memory Camp

The XXVII International Romani Memory Camp will take place in Tarnów from October 2-4, 2026, focusing on the history, culture, and contemporary issues of the Romani community, including the Holocaust remembrance.

The event will feature various presentations and discussions by scholars on topics such as the documentation of the Romani Holocaust, language policy, discrimination in education, and the role of local media in combating exclusion.

Participants will also embark on a tour of the Małopolska Trail of Romani Martyrdom, visiting significant locations related to Romani history in the region.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Museum of Romani Culture

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Museum of Romani Culture

The Czech Culture Ministry plans to hold a competitive selection process for the new director of the Museum of Romani Culture, with hopes that a Roma person will be appointed.

A petition has been initiated calling for a transparent selection process that includes representatives from the Roma community and civil society.

The current interim director, Karolina Spielmannová, is tasked with ensuring the museum’s continuity following the resignation of the previous director, Jana Horváthová.

News Eastern Europe Romania Serbia

Cultural Centre

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Cultural Centre

A new cultural center dedicated to Romani culture, language, and traditions was inaugurated in Belgrade, Serbia, attended by Dorin Cioabă, president of one of the current three International Romani Union.

The Romani Cultural Center aims to serve as a meeting point for the community, promoting education, dialogue, and the preservation of Romani identity.

Cioabă emphasized the importance of collaboration among Romani organizations, public institutions, and civil society to maintain Romani culture and traditions.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Petition

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Petition

A petition with 129 signatures is urging the Czech Culture Ministry to expedite the selection process for a new director of the Museum of Romani Culture after the resignation of Jana Horváthovár, who led the museum for 23 years.

Jiří Polák, chair of the City of Brno’s Roma Council, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the museum’s Romani identity and an open selection process for its new leadership.

The Culture Ministry has temporarily appointed Karolina Spielmannová as the acting director and aims to find a strong leader for the museum, while also planning to redefine the oversight board’s structure.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Day of the Roma

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Day of the Roma

Myjava, Slovakia, will host the Day of Roma event in September 2026, celebrating Roma culture with two days of music, dance, and exhibitions.

The event will feature performances from the Jaghále Čhaja dance group and the Vladoboys band, along with inspiring documentaries about successful Roma individuals.

Lithuania News Eastern Europe

“Gypsy” Fest

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“Gypsy” Fest

The GYPSY FEST in Vilnius, Lithuania, aims to challenge stereotypes about the Romani culture through thought-provoking messages displayed on large posters around the city.

The festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will feature a theatrical procession and a free concert showcasing Romani music and culture on September 19.

Organizers emphasize the importance of dialogue and understanding, inviting attendees to reflect on their own biases and engage with the Romani community.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Balval Fest

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Balval Fest

Balvalfest, is the oldest Romani festival in Slovakia. It aims to showcase Romani music and dance. The festival features performers from various countries, including the UK, Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Hungary, and encourages young talent to participate.

This year’s event is expected to attract around 2,000 visitors and is supported financially by the Minorities Culture Support Fund.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Romani Culture

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Romani Culture

The Ministry of Culture in Romania has launched a pilot program to support and promote Roma culture, led by the Musical Theater “Ambasadorii”.

The initiative aims to involve Roma artists in theater productions and highlight their cultural contributions through workshops, conferences, and artistic development activities.

The project is seen as a step towards establishing a dedicated public institution for Roma performances by 2027, although immediate establishment is hindered by financial and administrative constraints.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Culture

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Culture

Young Roma from Brezje and Jedinščica explored radio and Roma culture in Prekmurje, Slovenia, visiting various cultural centers and participating in media workshops.

The initiative aims to provide opportunities for young Roma to learn about their culture and improve their social skills, fostering interregional connections and self-confidence.

Participants expressed enthusiasm for the experience, highlighting the importance of community engagement and the desire to pursue their goals despite challenges.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Roma in one’s City

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Roma in one’s City

The event “Romi svome gradu” was held in Pirot, Serbia, showcasing the richness of Romani music, dance, and tradition, featuring performances by local youth and guests from Vranje.

Radmila Nešić from the organizing association “Ternipe” emphasized the festival’s importance in preserving Romani culture and its growing popularity among the audience.

The event also included an initiative to support the education of Romani girls, highlighting the challenges faced in maintaining cultural traditions due to lack of funding and resources.

https://youtu.be/MJnPu_63QTs

Austria News Western Europe

Burgenland Roma

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Burgenland Roma

A docuemntary about Roma from Burgenland, featuring texts by Michael Köhlmeier, spans from the 1930s to the present, addressing themes of adaptation pressure, persecution, and exclusion, while also celebrating the cultural diversity and vibrancy of the Burgenland Roma community.

The Roma community played a significant role in the creation of the documentary, with historical settings resembling a Roma camp from the 1930s being constructed for filming in Oslip.

Musical contributions to the film include works from Ferry Janoska and Tony Wegas.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Roma Soul

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Roma Soul

The project “Roma Soul Food” explores Roma musical and culinary traditions through interviews with community members in three countries, resulting in a collaborative album.

The initiative emphasizes the connection between food and music as vital elements of Roma culture, fostering community ties and storytelling.

Despite being one of Europe’s largest ethnic minorities, Roma communities face significant social exclusion, with low feelings of inclusion reported in Serbia, Greece, and Slovenia.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Te Prindžaras Amen

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Te Prindžaras Amen

The 22nd edition of the festival “Te prindžaras amen – Let’s Get to Know Each Other” will focus on traditional dance forms of various Roma groups in Slovakia, taking place on July 12 at the Slovak Village Museum in Martin.

Visitors will learn about Roma dance folklore from educators and will have the opportunity to see performances from established Roma dance ensembles and musicians.

The event will also feature a photography exhibition by respected Roma journalist Roman Čonka, showcasing the lives of notable Roma musicians and artists, along with workshops for children.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Udvar Festival

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Udvar Festival

The article discusses the Udvar Festival in Arló, Hungary, which celebrates the Roma community and its rich culture through music and community events.

The festival has grown significantly over five years, now featuring multiple concert venues and numerous performers, emphasizing cultural and social goals.

Local initiatives aim to engage families and improve community ties, addressing poverty and promoting positive aspects of Roma culture.

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