International roma festival Romale
It is not important where we are from, what is important is that together we are creating wonderful moments in life which we will forever cherish in our hearts.
Dear friends and lovers of Roma music, this is an invitation to the upcoming year of the International Roma festival ROMALE - Gypsy Celebration held on 13. - 16. 8. 2015 13. - 16. 8. 2015 in the holiday resort OTAKAR (Hamry u Poličky). This intensive festival weekend is unique in the way that it focuses on everything Roma. Civic association MIRET and its organization team of 65 volunteers are preparing the venue for this gathering, this celebration of understanding everything that is Roma, from culture to history. A multicultural conference will be held on Sunday 16.7. The Roma and non-roma are given the opportunity to meet at least once a year, sing, dance, talk and get to know each other, and finally experience a night full of fire, passion, happiness and love. All this with exquisite Roma bands, Roma artists, Roma dancers and choirs performing on stage. They will share their energy and passion through their music and dance.
We look forward to a wonderful meeting to celebrate life.
The Gypsy Celebration consists of two parts of connected projects: e music festival itself Every evening from 7 p.m to 3 a.m a performance from the Roma élite, musical ensembles, musical and dance groups, soloists, singers and the Čhavorenge children's choir accompanied by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Over the span of several days, many Roma and non-roma will meet at OTAKAR to share their music, their songs, their hearts. The aim of this historical moment is to show that we can all live together with an open heart and mind, communicate openly and listen to each other. Jam session lovers will be pleased to find premises available to practise their art. Vocal and Dance workshops The programme offers workshops and seminars with some of the performing Roma artists such as Ida Kelarová, Desiderius Dužda, vocal group Kale, traditional Roma group Kale Bala and many others. The programme also offers workshops of traditional Roma dance with professionals. Courses, lectures and seminars We have prepared talks on various Roma traditions, culture, history and the current situation of the Roma, new Roma-themed films, jam sessions, workshops for children, theatre and many other activities. Kids' Corner Civic association Pontopolis in cooperation with Civic association MIRET will prepare a Kids' Corner for your young ones. Traditional Roma dishes Our Roma women will prepare traditional Roma dishes such as Goja, Halušky (Slovakian version of gnocchi), Marikle and Pašvára. This will be a 4 day marathon of various vocal, dance, musical and art workshops for children, youth ad adults including a taste of Roma cuisine.
We cordially invite all of you, our singer friends, musicians, artists, all of you who wish to work, sing, play and celebrate together.
The aim of this festival is not only to reach a mutual understanding, but also the opportunity to showcase the skills, talent and hard work of Roma artists, singers, musical groups, dance ensembles, and let us not forget, the child prodigies which play such an important part in the whole festival. Everyone is given the opportunity to meet, express themselves, support their own creative ideas, present Roma professional value, but also to draw attention to deeply rooted racism and Czech xenophobia. A safe space to improve the relationship between Roma and non-roma is provided. At our festival we have, albeit for just a short while, the opportunity to erase the barrier between the Roma and non-roma and thus create a safe space for both sides to meet. We believe that a path to live in peace and harmony does exist. We know that the songs and music we share connects us and our festivals are the living proof. It is about creating together, being aware of each other, give one another a second chance, the time and appreciation of our value as human beings who are equal. It is but a little thing, but we believe that this is what it starts with. Every year we find new hope and faith and that gives us strength to continue with this project. Yours truly, Ida Kelarova Artistic Director of project Gypsy Celebration
This project is dedicated to love and peace.