International Roma Day
The International Roma Day (Gypsy Day), which is celebrated annually by the representatives of this nation around the world on April 8, was established at the first World Roma Congress, held in London on April 8, 1971 and gathered representatives from 30 countries. As a result, national symbols were adopted: a flag and a hymn, which allowed the Roma of the world to recognize themselves as a single free nation.
It is believed that the first mention of the gypsies is dated 1501, when the gypsy leader Vasil received a letter of protection from the Lithuanian prince Alexander Kazimirovich.
Today, the Roma population is about 8-10 million people. Geography of Roma resettlement includes both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere countries: Albania, Romania, Moldova, Croatia, Argentina, Belarus, Canada, Brazil, Russia and other countries. According to estimates in 2010, approximately 220,000 Roma live in Russia.
Experts identify the six main branches of the Roma: three western and three eastern. To the western include Roma (the self-name of the Gypsies), Sinti and Iberian Gypsies; to the eastern group include Lyuli, Lom and House. In addition, there are small Roma groups.
In Europe, there are a number of ethnographic groups, similar in lifestyle to the Roma, however, of a different origin - in particular, the Irish Travelers, the Central European yenis. Local authorities, as a rule, consider them as a variety of Gypsies, and not as separate ethnic groups.
In the week of April 8, international Roma festivals are held in many countries. They organize photo exhibitions, film screenings, special classes on theatrical art, singing and dancing, concerts are held.