This date honors the First Romani/Gypsy World Congress held in London on April 8, 1971, when the flag and the Gypsy anthem were established. The flag features three colors, with green and blue dominating to symbolize sky and fields, and a red circle in the center representing the road and freedom from India.
The Gypsy anthem, often sung as Come On, speaks of strength and resilience. It was composed by Jarko Jovanovic to honor all Romani people who have endured atrocities through the centuries and to remind the world that Roma have also faced Nazism. At the Fourth International Roma Congress in Serock, Poland, April 8 was designated as International Roma Day.
Gypsy flag — Gypsy Town —
History, language and ancestors
Across years, April 8 has grown in prominence as a day to recognize the Romani people as an integral part of Spanish culture. The message from groups like the Roma Participation Group and the Fundacif3n Secretariado Gitano emphasizes that Roma culture enriches gastronomy, music, dance, language, and painting.
Traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, antiques, and cattle herding continue to thrive, preserving a living heritage. The Roma say they have shared a joy of living, teaching their neighbors the gypsy way of life and philosophy.
The aim is to remember and share Roma history and cultural stories so that young Romani feel welcome in a diverse society. Fundacif3n Secretariado Gitano uses the event to raise social awareness and value gypsy culture.
In this edition, works inspired by Federico Garceda Lorca and bronze and dream celebrate unity. A mural in Don Benito, Badajoz, depicts two young people embracing, symbolizing the pride and shared values of solidarity, family, respect and honesty that many Roma hold dear and hope to pass to future generations.
Gypsies are part of society, diverse and not privileged. The goal remains to preserve Romipen, our gypsy identity, with heads held high and voices raised.
On International Roma Day, the community expresses its sentiments through song. Tio Pedro Pe0fua composed the piece for the music of his son Dorantes, which captures the mood of heritage and memory:
When I hear the old voice of my blood
Singing and crying after the fear of past centuries
I feel God’s fragrance in my soul
And in the world I plant roses instead of pain
List of corporate events
The Gypsy Secretariat Foundation has published audio-visual works since April 3 to raise awareness on its channels and social networks, including a video greeting from its president, Sara Gime9nez.
The Gypsy Culture Institute Awards will be presented on April 8 at Museo Reina Sofeda 2.
A memorial for Roma victims is planned: from 12:30 to 13:30 on April 12, the foundation will honor participants and staff.
The Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030, along with the Roman Council of State, will hold a corporate meeting on April 13 at Puente de la Reina in Madrid Rio.
The European Rome Week will occur in Brussels from April 24 to 27, featuring discussions among political actors, representatives of the European Parliament and major European institutions such as the European Commission and the Fundamental Rights Agency, plus participation from the Council of Europe and numerous non-governmental organizations across Europe.
Roma women are highlighted for inclusion and equal treatment in a Madrid cinema forum titled Roma Women: Excluded from Discrimination.
Madrid City Council will host a Cineff3rum meeting focused on Carmen and Lola, a film about two young Roma women whose love challenges traditional Roma taboos on same-sex relationships.