Introduction

Gypsy Celebration: Singing and Dancing Workshop, Children’s Camp and Festival.

Our Gypsy Celebration project is coming closer and we invite you all to come and experience a celebration of our songs and dances, a celebration that reminds us of the power and culture of our Roma friends, artists, singers and dancers. There are films, discussions and lectures arranged for you, as well as opportunities to meet and to share your experiences in the course the entire events.

This project has been dedicated to all people who feel the need to take part in creating a better world we live in.

The Gypsy Celebration project consists of several separate, yet interconnected parts.

Music festival

Many Romas and non-Romas will meet during the four days on the Svojanov castle, to share their music, their songs, their hearts. The purpose of this historical event is to prove that we all can live together with an open heart and mind, communicate freely and listen to each other. There will be opportunities for all jam session lovers as well, for both Roma and non-Roma artists.

Singing and dancing workshops

The program includes workshops with some of the performing artists, for instance chorus singing with Ida Kelarova and Desiderius Dužda, the Kaľi Čercheň vocal trio, and the Kale and Kokavakere Lavutara bands. The program also offers workshops of traditional Roma dancing under professional supervision and for the younger generation – modern dance.

Courses, lectures and seminars

You can attend lessons of Roma language, lectures about various Roma traditions, culture, history, contemporary situation and everything that constitutes being a Roma. You can also see new films dealing with Roma issues, attend jam sessions, workshops for children and theater and many other activities.

There will be lectures and discussions with many outstanding experts, for example Daniela Hivešová-Šilanová, Jiří Daniel, Denisa Havrlová, Tomáš Šenkyřík, Kateřina Kelarová (a member of MIRET) and others.

Children camp

The summer camp is an opportunity for a multicultural meeting on the background of a rich and colorful program for children. Under the guidance of professional artists and specialized tutors, Roma and non-Roma boys and girls will be able to pursue music, dance, theatre and painting activities. All children will be able to attend two hours of English lessons every day, so that they can learn to naturally create and communicate in another language.

Our main aim is to focus on Roma tradition and culture, on the children and their cultural and life values and styles. Roma children from children’s homes will have an opportunity to see the cultural and historical heritage of their own nation.

The camp’s entire agenda will be focused on the development of human creative abilities and feelings. We will attempt to create a space for natural self-expression and relaxation, and to deepen the inter-personal relationships and support the children in their natural integration into our society.