Launch of “Roma Voices” Marked the 170th Anniversary of the Abolition of Roma Slavery in the Romanian Principalities

On 20 February 2026, the 170th anniversary of the Abolition of Roma Slavery in the Romanian Principalities (1385–1856) was commemorated in Bucharest through the official launch of the Roma Voices project. The initiative represents a collaborative effort of Roma Education Fund Romania (REF), European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) and Amphitheatrrom Cultural Association, financially supported by the second Swiss Contribution to Romania through the Romanian Ministry of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity.

The opening programme, entitled From Memory to Empowerment – Building Social Cohesion through the Roma Voices Project, was moderated by Alexandru Zamfir, Project Manager at REF Romania. It included the poetry recital I trilogìa le pharavde rotenqi performed by Sorin Sandu, representing one of the project partners, Amphitheatrrom Cultural Association. Introductory addresses were delivered by Florin Manole, Minister of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity of Romania; H.E. Massimo Baggi, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Romania; Ciprian Necula, Executive President of REF Romania; and Mensur Haliti, Chairman of the ERIAC Board. The project presentation was subsequently delivered by Alexandru Zamfir, Mihaela Zătreanu, representative of ERIAC Romania, and Sorin Sandu.

The programme continued at Căminul Artei Gallery with the vernissage of RAPORTORU. No Longer the Stranger from Within by Eugen Raportoru, inaugurated by an opening address from Dr. Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka, Executive Director of ERIAC. The exhibition engaged critically with the materiality of memory, advancing the proposition that historical trauma is embedded not only in narrative but also in objects, space and sound. The exhibition foregrounded the persistence of historical injustice in the contemporary condition of Roma, Sinti and Traveller communities across Europe. RAPORTORU. No Longer the Stranger from Within will be on display at Căminul Artei Gallery until 28 February 2026.

The Roma Voices launching programme concluded at the National Theatre I.L. Caragiale Bucharest with the Gala Premiere of Gypsy Queen, held in the presence of director Hüseyin Tabak and lead actress Alina Șerban. The evening featured a special artistic performance by Damian Drăghici and his former band, Damian & Brothers, who reunited for the occasion to celebrate the film and its soundtrack, originally composed by the band in 2018. The programme opened with introductory remarks by Ana-Maria Minca and Alina Șerban, and a welcome address from Minister Florin Manole. A speech was also delivered on behalf of Marijana Rakić from Roma Education Fund Serbia, whose ancestors fled Romania because of slavery. She was joined on stage by REF Director Ciprian Necula.

Gipsy Queen (2019) will make its nationwide cinema debut on February 27. More than a film premiere, the release marks the centerpiece of a national campaign promoting equal access to education and sport for all. Cinema screenings of Gipsy Queen are part of a charitable initiative, with all ticket proceeds donated to residential care centers for children in Romania.

Conceived as a long-term initiative, Roma Voices seeks to advance non-discrimination, social education and intercultural dialogue, while fostering the recognition of Roma history and cultural heritage as integral to social cohesion and democratic values. The project establishes a platform in which historical reflection, artistic expression and Roma civic voices converge as instruments of social transformation,  engaging not only with memory, but also with the ethical and political imperatives of the future.