April 8 is today widely celebrated as the international day which affirms Roma culture and promotes the rights for Roma people. The first international Roma gathering that took place in London on April 8 1971 marks the beginning of Roma international organizing and establishing first International Roma organization – International Romani Union. In respect to this great effort which included introducing the name Rom instead of Gypsy, but also the introduction of Romani anthem and flag, April 8 was announced as the International Roma Day.
This was important day not only because it gather Roma activists internationally, but because it marks the beginning of political organizing and advocating globally for their rights. In all countries of the Western Balkans Roma people are still one of the most vulnerable social groups who are systematically being discriminated against and marginalized, who are denied of their basic rights and who have been living in poverty and social exclusion.

Learn few Roma words:

Sastipe - Hello
Sar san ? - How are you?
Pachave tut - Thank you