20 years of ‘Open Heart’ – when diversity brings us closer together and culture unites us
On 6 and 7 June 2025, Veliko Tarnovo was once again filled with rhythm, colour and inspiration. The 20th anniversary edition of the Open Heart Roma Children’s Festival, organised by the Amalipe Centre and the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo, with the financial support of the National Culture Fund, the Trust for Social Alternative and Prosveshta Publishing House, brought together over 1,500 participants from all over the country and beyond Bulgaria’s borders – students, teachers, educational mediators, parents and friends of Roma culture and interethnic dialogue.
🎶 A festival with heart and history
The festival stage was filled with children’s laughter and songs, and school groups presented fragments of Roma, Bulgarian, Turkish and Armenian traditions – a diversity that unites rather than divides. Among them, Roma folklore was a common thread that guided the children, who showed how they can both preserve the traditions and values of their community and at the same time bring them into our contemporary world, which has so many identities. On stage, the participants showed that in the context of the highly sensitive debate about values and virtues, the Roma community preserves the deepest values such as kindness, justice, empathy and care for loved ones, respect for the elderly and the community. The Alley of Time, which told the story of the Festival over the past 20 years through photographs, allowed guests to immerse themselves in the steps that the Festival has taken each year – from a festival lasting a few hours one afternoon with only 14 schools, without costumes or decorations, to increasingly colourful performances with increasingly beautiful costumes. The Festival, the performances, the children, the adults, the guests and the residents of Veliko Tarnovo – we all grew up together, moving from childhood to adulthood, making it an integral part of the city’s cultural calendar.
The 20th anniversary edition of the Open Heart Roma Children’s Festival was an opportunity to take stock of what has been achieved. No one, not even ourselves, expected that we would be able to create such a lasting tradition. On the contrary, 22 years ago (in 2003, when we held the first festival), both the local authorities we were concerned about how a Roma festival would be received in Veliko Tarnovo, and we certainly did not expect to be able to organise it every year (only the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from doing so in 2020 and 2021). The enthusiasm of the students and teachers was the driving force that encouraged us and continues to encourage us not to give up on holding the festival every year, despite the considerable effort it requires from the entire Amalipe team. Thus, the Open Heart Roma Children’s Festival is currently the only Roma cultural event of national significance with a history spanning two decades. The high diplomatic and political presence is also a sign of the attention it receives – even though it is held far from Sofia…
🌍A Festival with institutional support and public significance
Among the official guests at the anniversary edition were:
▪ Deputy Regional Governor of Veliko Tarnovo, Yulia Likomanova-Mutafchieva, who presented a congratulatory address on behalf of the Regional Governor:
“The ‘Open Heart’ Festival is not just a celebration – it is a stage where children from different ethnic backgrounds have the opportunity to showcase their talents, share the richness of their traditions, and express their cultural identity with pride. It promotes essential values – respect for diversity, tolerance, dialogue, and mutual understanding. It also plays a key role in motivating young people in their education by giving them confidence, a platform for expression, and a sense of belonging. May ‘Open Heart’ continue to open doors to knowledge, inspiration, and unity.”
▪ “We need even more conversations about tolerance, mutual respect, and social responsibility.”
This was stated by Deputy Minister of Education and Science Emilia Lazarova at the festival’s opening. She emphasized that through the arts and culture of various ethnic groups, important values are transmitted from an early age within families and schools.
▪ Members of Parliament Tsvetan Predov and Alexander Valchev;
▪ Chairperson of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination (CPD) Elka Bozhova and Deputy Chair Elena Cherneva-Markova, representatives of the Ombudsman’s office, the State Agency for Child Protection (SACP), the National Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Integration Issues (NCCEII), and others, as well as H.E. Arun Sahu, Ambassador of India.
🎭 The stage came alive with color and talent
This was not just an anniversary – it was proof that culture can be a bridge connecting generations, ethnicities, and perspectives. More than 100 schools participated in the program, showcasing folklore, dance, music, and theater. Joining them was the Romanian troupe “Chirikli Shukar” from Timișoara – an international highlight that made the event even richer.
The theater group from the school in the village of Todor Ikonomovo moved the audience with their performance “My Name Is…”, dedicated to the personal and cultural identity of Romani children.
🚶♀️ A Colorful parade through the old capital
As in previous years, this year’s colorful parade marched through the center of Veliko Tarnovo, led by children in traditional costumes, waving flags and smiling brightly. Residents and visitors of the city welcomed the participants, who carried messages of acceptance, respect, and unity.
🎨 Workshop “Tradition and Creativity”
During the festival, dozens of students and parents took part in art workshops, where they created souvenirs, drawings, traditional decorations, and symbols. Their work was gathered into a beautiful exhibition, showcasing how creativity and cultural heritage can intertwine in the hands of children.
💬 Discussions with a message and vision
Alongside the artistic program, a roundtable was held, organized by the Amalipe Center. The topics – “Romani Culture and Identity Today” and “Educational Integration and the Future of the Roma Community” – brought together experts, institutions, teachers, and young people for an open conversation about the challenges and the ways forward.
You can read more about the meeting here.
The Fifth National Meeting of Romani Women – “Circle of Strength”
Over 70 women and girls from across the country took part in this special gathering, where open conversations were held about traditions, freedom of choice, education, violence, and solidarity. Romani activists, students, mediators, and mothers created a space for support, intergenerational continuity, and inspiration.
“Amalipe reaches every girl – even in the most remote village – and helps her believe that she has a voice, she has a choice, she has a path,” shared one of the participants.
Here you can watch the video that will immerse you in the atmosphere of the meeting.
The large number of participants, the diversity of performances, and the presence of representatives from various institutions were a recognition of the scale and significance of the festival, which for years has been the only Romani cultural event with such a history and national reach.
Deputy Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo Georgi Nedev stated that over these 20 years, the festival has become not just a tradition, but a symbol of understanding, equality, and acceptance.
“Open Heart has proven that there is an awareness that education and culture are the keys to meaningful and lasting integration,” he added.
The festival is also proof that when hearts are wide open, our differences do not divide us – they unite us,” Nedev concluded.
🖼 “20 Years of Open Heart” – An Exhibition in the Heart of Veliko Tarnovo
To mark the anniversary edition, the festival also extended into the public space through two special photography exhibitions located in front of the “Rafael Mihailov” Exhibition Halls. One of the exhibitions showcased unforgettable moments from the 20-year history of the festival, told through the work of various photographers.
Passersby and visitors to the city had the chance to connect with the spirit of the festival and feel the power of acceptance, culture, and children’s voices that change society—through this exhibition, as well as through Radostina Petkova’s exhibition “The Strength of Romani Women: Stories Through the Lens.”
🎁 A Small Gift, A Big Message
All participants received scented candles and white clover seeds, handmade by mothers from the initiative “Buy a Gift from a Mother of a Child with a Disability.” This gesture symbolized support, resilience, and hope.
We hope the white clover blooms in your homes just as the festival bloomed in our hearts.
🎉 “Open Heart” is not just a festival. It’s a movement. It’s a story.
It is a place where differences become friendships, traditions become bridges, and children become sources of inspiration.
Until we meet again! ❤️
Photos: Radostina Petkova
📸 See more photos and moments here: facebook.com/AmalipeOtvorenoSarce
The 20th Children’s Roma Festival “Open Heart” was held with the support of Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, the National Culture Fund, within the framework of the project “Open Heart – 20 Years of Celebrating Cultural Diversity”, Contract No. F-S-2024-22 / 20.12.2024, the Trust for Social Achievement, and others.
