What’s Happening for International Roma Day in Govanhill
Over the weekend, Roma communities across the world will be gearing up to celebrate International Roma Day on Monday 8 April. Here in Govanhill, we heard how Roma community groups, are holding events exploring the stories, experiences, and culture of the Roma people.
Photo by Sev Dudzinska
Words by Devon McCole
This multicultural neighbourhood has long been a melting pot of traditions, languages and histories, with a reputation for being home to displaced groups of people for centuries; the Irish settled here during the famine in the 1800s, the Jewish settled here in the 1900s to flee poverty and discrimination – the list goes on.
Building upon the rich history of Govanhill, the neighbourhood has also become a significant hub for the Roma community, with Scotland’s largest Roma population residing here, many escaping discrimination in Eastern Europe. It was also announced last year, that the Southside will also be home to the first Roma cultural centre in Scotland.
Since 1990, 8 April has been marked International Roma Day, as both an opportunity to discuss the situation of Roma, and to celebrate Romani culture.
Read more: The History and Culture of The Roma People — Greater Govanhill
In Govanhill, prominent community groups like Romano Lav and Community Renewal Rom Romeha, have led in the preparations for local Roma Day celebrations taking place over the weekend and the following week – as Roma Day falls on Monday 8 April. Celebrations in Govanhill are commencing this Saturday.
Nikola Krugova, community facilitator at Community Renewal Rom Romeha and proud member of the Roma community, explained why the main event will be celebrated here in Govanhill:
"Govanhill contains Scotland’s highest Roma population and second highest population in the UK. It has always been a welcoming and culturally diverse area, and our community are honoured to call it home.
Rahela Caprici is the project co-ordinator of Romano Lav and works year round to empower the Roma community here in and around Govanhill. She also shared a statement explaining why Roma Day is so important:
“International Roma day is extremely important to me and my community. We get to show people how important being Roma is to us – and welcome everyone to enjoy all the great music, food, dancing and hospitality we have to offer. We can't wait for everyone to join us on the march, show solidarity with us, and then come to celebrate with us at the community meal later! At a time where racism seeks to divide communities and create hostility amongst people, we will show the world that we are strong, that diversity is our power, and we will never be defeated by racism and hate!"
Read more: Rahela wrote about Romanes langugage for our last issue
Attending on the day will be Alison Thewliss (MP Glasgow Central), and Soryia Siddique, (Councillor for Southside Central) who will be speaking at the event. Speaking about it’s importance, she said:
“As a BAME woman, I understand the struggles faced by minority communities in the face of discrimination. All levels of government must work together to remove the inequalities faced by Roma and all minority communities.”
WHAT’S ON?
International Roma Day Parade, Speeches and Community Meal
When: 6 April, from 12-5pm
Where: Assemble in Govanhill Park from 12pm, community meal in Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church from 2pm
What: The streets of Govanhill will be full of colour and music this Saturday to celebrate International Roma Day. There will be speeches, a parade – of course – and a community meal and celebration later in the evening.
CineRoma 2.0
When: 12-14 April
Where: GAMIS cinema, Niddrie Road Glasgow, G42 8PR
What: CineRoma2.0 is the second edition of the UK’s first ever Roma film festival brought to you by Offline (formerly GAMIS) and has been co-curated in collaboration with a cohort of Roma young people from Govanhill through a series of workshops organised by Offline and Romao Lav. CineRoma aims to present diverse films, exploring self-perception, identity, history and systems of power. And, whilst it isn't a Roma Day specific event, residents can still learn more about the Roma people in Govanhill and beyond through a series of films and Q&As as part of the festival.
More info: Dates and times vary for each screening, with sliding scale tickets (£0-£12), find CineRoma2.0 on Eventbrite to see what screenings are available.
Darusko Band + ZOR
When: 6 April, from 7pm-3am
Where: Awestruck Academy, Abbotsford Road, Clydebank, G81 1PA
What: Ando Glaso have organised some parties over the UK to celebrate International Roma Day these next few days. In Glasgow, they have organised a gig led by two Roma bands Darusko Band and ZOR.
More info: Entry is £25, tickets available at Ando Glaso