The 20th of February 2026 marks the 170th anniversary of the Abolition of Roma Slavery in the Romanian Principalities, one of the most silenced chapters of European history: the enslavement of Roma between 1385 and 1856. Despite its magnitude, this history remains largely absent from school curricula, museums, and public memory in Romania and across Europe.
On this occasion, the Roma Education Fund Romania (REF), together with the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) and Amphitheatrrom Cultural Association, officially launch the joint project Roma Voices, financially supported by the second Swiss Contribution to Romania, through the Romanian Ministry of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity, acting as the Programme Operator for the overall Social Inclusion Programme.
A lack of awareness and recognition continues to contribute to stereotypes, discrimination, and social exclusion of the Roma minority. At the same time, the Roma Voices project seeks to address this gap by promoting non-discrimination, social education, intercultural dialogue, and the recognition of Roma cultural and historical heritage as essential components of social cohesion and democratic values.
Further to the project launch, a series of events is planned to mark the day, bringing together representatives of the artistic and cultural scene, diplomacy, political leadership as well as civil society, through the lens of Romani culture and across two cultural venues in Bucharest.
| From Memory to EmpowermentProject presentation and launch (closed event) |
| 16.45 – 18.00VENUE: Căminul Artei Gallery, Visual Arts Center, Biserica Enei 16 Street, Sector 1, Bucharest |
| VernissageRAPORTORUNo Longer the Stranger from Within |
| 18.00 – 18.30VENUE: Căminul Artei Gallery, Visual Arts Center, Biserica Enei 16 Street, Sector 1, Bucharest Eugen Raportoru’s immersive exhibition combines works from Samudaripen with new pieces to explore how history lives through materials, memory, and sound, affirming Roma, Sinti, and Traveller experiences beyond the notion of being ”strangers from within.” The vernissage is open to the public with free accession. |
| Gala at the National Theater I.L Caragiale and premiere of ”Gypsy Queen” |
| 19.00 – 22.00VENUE: Main Hall (Sala Ion Caramitru), Nicolae Bălcescu 2 Boulevard, Bucharest Gipsy Queen (2019) is a powerful and inspiring boxing story of a Roma single mother from Romania, directed by Hüseyin Tabak. The main character, Ali, played by Alina Șerban, uses everything to provide for her kids. The film was nominated for and won several awards in best director and best actress categories, including Best Leading Actress for Alina Șerban at the German Screen Actors Award (2020). Admission is granted based on registration and is subject to available seating. In case you wish to attend, please register HERE or reach out at eriac (at) eriac (dot) org |
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