Romani melodies resounded in the heart of Veliko Tarnovo – Amalipe Center held a concert on April 8th

On April 8th, Veliko Tarnovo became a center for tribute and praise to Roma culture. On the occasion of the International Roma Day, Amalipe Center organized activities dedicated to the diversity and richness of Roma culture.

The initiatives began with a ceremony of placing flowers in Yantra River as a sign of sympathy for the more than half a million Roma who died during the Holocaust. Through this gesture, volunteers and the team of Center Amalipe wanted to show their commitment to the preservation of the memory of the tragic history and the importance of equality and respect for all cultural heritages.

Later in the evening, a concert inspired by Roma culture was held on the stage of the Art Summer project. Attendees witnessed magnificent performances of traditional Roma songs combined with masterful instrumental performances by talented musicians, as well as readings of poetry created by wonderful Roma authors.

Among the participants were successful role models such as the music teacher and outstanding singer Elena Hristova, the virtuoso guitarist Georgi Stefanov, the student of the Performing Art of the bagpipe and saxophone in Plovdiv Yulian Karagyozov, the exquisite keyboard musician Stefan Stefanov and many others. The event was also attended by volunteers – students from schools in Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, as well as students from the University of St. Cyril and Methodius. Surprisingly, they were joined by local citizens who performed traditional Russian Gypsy romances.

The event was an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the unique talents and arts that the Roma community brings to our society. It reminded everyone of the importance of mutual respect and empathy in the diversity of our cultures.

The initiative is implemented within the framework of the project “Intercultural Academy for Civil Participation and Tolerance”, which is implemented with the support of the U.S. State Department through the US Embassy in Bulgaria.