International Roma Day 2025
Romano Lav invite you to celebrate International Roma Day 2025 with them!
On Saturday 12th of April, Romano Lav will assemble at 1pm in Govanhill Park for speeches and the parade, followed by a community celebration from 2.30-5.30pm in Queens Park Govanhill Parish Church (170 Queens Drive, G42 8QZ).
They have teamed up this year with Community Renewal Rom Romeha, Ando Glaso and Govanhill Roma Youth Group to put together an amazing celebration for everyone to join in with.
International Roma Day is celebrated worldwide on the 8 April, and is a day to celebrate the richness of Roma culture as well as raising awareness of the issues that Roma people still face. Locally, the day has been celebrated annually for over ten years since Romano Lav officially started marking the day:
“To our knowledge, this was the first ever procession of migrant Roma in the UK. We are proud to continue this incredible tradition!
“This year once again, we will fill the streets with colour and music, marching to celebrate Roma culture, unity and diversity.
“With racism on the rise globally, there has never been a more important time to stand together in solidarity with one another and as a community. Govanhill is such a special place; we say loudly and proudly that multiculturalism is beautiful - come join us on the 12th to show your support.”
After the march, they will make their way to the community meal and celebration, where you can expect fantastic Roma music, creativity and dance, delicious food and fun activities for kids.
As Romano Lav’s project coordinator Rahela put so well in an interview last year about the day
“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!"
