In accordance with tradition, a festive program commemorated Roma Culture Day at the headquarters of HGMI, where several artistic performances made the event memorable. In his welcome address, President of HGMI, Albert Durkó emphasized that throughout Roma history, a love for freedom has always been present, deeply influencing their culture and identity.
April 8 is celebrated as Roma Culture Day worldwide, which is linked to the 1971 World Roma Congress.
“Many peoples and nations, vast empires have disappeared throughout history, but the Roma people still exist, present all over the world. Freedom has always been characteristic of Roma people, connecting societies. God has gifted them with a very colorful and rich culture,” highlighted Albert Durkó.
At the event, students from the Reményhír Institution and double bass artist Ernő Bodóczki and his band lifted the mood with exceptional performances, but perhaps the deepest impression was left by the recitation of verses by Kálmán Káli-Horváth, a Hungarian painter, performer, and poet of Roma origin.
Kálmán Káli-Horváth, who grew up in state care and currently serves as the leader of the Reformed Roma Vocational College, presented his cultural and spiritual roots during his presentation, which included poems by József Attila and his own, as well as a poignant excerpt from a film inspired by his life.
“Although I am myself a Reformed Christian, I think in the spirit of ecumenism. I consider denominational boundaries as an opportunity that we need to cross and step into each other’s lives because Christ expects love from us, which we have the opportunity to practice at this event as well. I came with a good heart and joy because I can be among brothers,” he expressed in response to our inquiry.
