30 July 2024
Maribor Synagogue, Slovenia

On the occasion of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide against Roma and Sinti, the EPEKA Association, in cooperation with the Centre for Jewish Cultural Heritage Synagogue Maribor, is organising a commemorative event “The Night When the Violins Were Silent”.

On the night of 2 to 3 August 1944, the Nazis emptied and destroyed the “Zigeunerlager” – the Roma section of Auschwitz-Birkenau, killing almost 3 000 Roma. This event has gone down in history as the most massive mass murder of Roma carried out by the Nazis during their reign of terror, which is why 2 August is commemorated around the world as International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide of Roma and Sinti.

On the occasion of the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Genocide of the Roma and Sinti, we cordially invite you to attend the commemorative events:

Opportunities of Roma Cultural Heritage in Slovenia, lecture

Synagogue Maribor, Židovska ulica 4, 30 July 2024, at 16.00

The lecture will be dedicated to the presentation of the interactive and educational initiative “Opportunities of Roma Cultural Heritage in Slovenia”, whose main objectives are the presentation, development and promotion of Roma culture, language and identity in Slovenia. The lecture will be based on various pedagogical and interactive methods and will include a workshop and discussion, and will be delivered by professionally qualified and experienced lecturers, including members of the Roma community. The aim of the lecture is to raise awareness and promote understanding of the Roma cultural heritage in different regions of Slovenia in the wider society. The lecture will also present an initiative for a new honorary title to be proposed to the EU, the “European Roma Capital”. The initiative is modelled on the “European Capital of Culture” and envisages that the city that would be the holder of the title of “European Roma Capital” would host a wide range of educational and cultural events dedicated to Roma history and culture, as well as the design, development and implementation of accompanying socio-business and other related initiatives.

GIPSY GROOVE, concert

Synagogue Maribor, Židovska ulica 4, 30 July 2024, at 18.00

Gipsy Groove is a six-piece band playing both original and traditional authentic Balkan Roma and other folk music, intertwined with elements of musical styles such as jazz, reggae, funk, ska, drum & bass and the like. The members of the group are united by a strong love of music, camaraderie, a belief in the power of unity and equality regardless of ethnic origin, and an unquenchable passion for challenges such as live performances and precious moments with the audience. Their energetic and charismatic performances, known for their lively atmosphere, powerful exchanges with the audience and constant improvisational spots, are based on an artistic representation of real life in Kosovo and the Balkans with all its endless interplay of difficulties and joys, while also raising awareness about inequality and discrimination, freedom of movement issues, racism, women’s rights and human rights in general. The concert will begin with a short opening commemoration dedicated to all Roma victims of Nazi persecution during the Second World War.

Organisers of the event.

The event was supported by the Municipality of Maribor, the EU programme “Creative Europe”, the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, the Ministry of Culture and the Roma Community Council.

 

In cooperation with the Association for the Integration of Roma Women Loli Luludi.

 

 

The Association EPEKA, Soc. Ent., is supported by: