The Día Internacional del Pueblo Gitano (International Romani Day) is celebrated annually on April 8th to honour the history, culture, and contributions of the Romani people, while also raising awareness about the challenges they continue to face. In Nerja, this day is commemorated with a series of cultural events, performances, and educational activities organized by the Nerja Town Hall in collaboration with local associations such as AcompasArte.

Anticipated Schedule for 2026 - PLEASE SEE DATES VARY SLIGHTLY ANNUALLY

While the official programme for 2026 has not yet been announced, previous years' celebrations provide insight into the types of events that may be expected:

Friday, April 3, 2026 (Tentative)

• Roundtable Discussion at the Nerja Museum: Topics have included "Picasso, the Romani People, and Flamenco," featuring experts like Gonzalo Peña from the Fundación Secretariado Gitano.

• Conference-Concert: Past events have featured performances by artists such as Lela Soto (vocals) and Antoni Malena Jr. (guitar), blending scholarly discussion with live music. 

Saturday, April 4, 2026 (Tentative)

• Gala at the Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja: This event typically includes the reading of a manifesto, performances of the Romani anthem "Gelem Gelem," and flamenco shows featuring renowned artists.

• Documentary Screening: Screenings of films like "Chaplin. Espíritu Gitano" have been part of past commemorations, highlighting the Romani influence in various cultural spheres. 

Significance of the Day

April 8th marks the anniversary of the First World Romani Congress held in London in 1971, where the Romani flag and anthem were adopted. The day serves to celebrate Romani culture and to advocate for the rights and recognition of Romani communities worldwide.