Romani People
Khamoro
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Khamoro (Romani for "little sun") is the largest and most famous professional Romani festival in the world, organized in Prague since 1999 by the organization Slovo 21 in collaboration with Studio Production Saga. During the last week of May, Khamoro offers unique concerts by Romani bands from all over the world, exhibitions, film screenings, dance workshops, literary readings, alternative performances, and professional seminars and conferences.
An event that brings people together
Over the course of its existence, Khamoro has established itself not just as a gathering for one community, but as a major cultural event that Prague and the entire Czech Republic can be proud of. Among the festival's supporters was President Václav Havel:
"The Khamoro festival was already an event last year. I wish this year's Khamoro 2000 Romani festival a long tradition of 'sunny' festivals that connect us and the Roma through pleasant experiences, which are much needed in our coexistence," he remarked at the opening of the festival's second year.
In recent years, Khamoro has been attended by approximately 10,000 people annually from the Czech Republic and abroad. Since its inception, more than 160 professional Romani bands from 40 countries have performed for audiences at the festival.
Organizers:
Slovo 21
A non-governmental, non-profit organization that began operating in Prague in 1999. The organization's inception is primarily linked to the beginnings of the World Romani Festival Khamoro, which remains Slovo 21's most well-known project to this day.
Slovo 21 has long implemented other Romani projects, focusing on supporting education and strengthening Romani identity, among other things. Later, through a team composed of people from various cultural backgrounds, the organization began focusing on integration projects for foreigners.
Studio Production Saga
A company founded in Prague in 1992 by musician Džemil Silajdžić and producer Jelena Silajdžić. Saga implements and supports cultural projects focused on cooperation between the cities of Prague and Sarajevo.
The main goal is to spread cultural wealth between the two cities, support multiculturalism, and organize cultural exchanges, whether in the fields of music, theater, dance, film, or literature.
You can find more information about the Khamoro festival, news, and a rich gallery containing photos and videos on the website http://khamoro.cz
"Let’s try to break these patterns." A conversation with Alex Dzurko about more than just covering up Nazi tattoos.
Artist and tattooist Alex Dzurko explores Romani identity, history, and memory in his work. His exhibition When Numbers Cry commemorates the fates of Romani victims of Nazism and opens a dialogue on why it is important not to forget.
"For the first time, Roma children spoke openly about their origins." – A conversation with Robert Tonelli about the Khamoro Kher program
Who am I and where do I belong? For many Romani children growing up in children's homes, these questions are far from straightforward. They lack contact with their families, their own history, and their culture. This is why the organization Slovo 21 created the Khamoro Kher project, which allows them to experience Khamoro — the largest Romani festival in the world.
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A week that brings people together. The largest Romani festival, Khamoro, kicks off this Sunday
The best Romani artists from around the world and an unforgettable atmosphere. Starting Sunday, May 24, Prague will host the 28th annual edition of the world's largest Romani festival – Khamoro. Visitors can look forward to a total of seven concerts featuring traditional and contemporary Romani music, gypsy jazz, and classical music. The festival will also offer two dozen accompanying events, a large part of which are dedicated to commemorating the Romani Holocaust.
I See Music in Color: Patrik Banga's new book launched at Khamoro
Mário Bihári and his iconic accordion conquered the local music scene long ago, captivating audiences everywhere. Writer, journalist, and Magnesia Litera award winner Patrik Banga boasts an equally impressive list of achievements. These two inspiring figures embarked on a journey together, which culminated in our meeting at the launch of the book I See Music in Color.
Blows from a frozen chicken and dreams of a departed mother. This year's storytelling at Khamoro was filled with laughter and fond memories.
Those who listened closely may have learned a thing or two about their own desires, worries, and joys. The evening, dedicated to the Romani tradition of vakeriben (storytelling), was hosted by members of the Paramisara Romani writers' club, whose stories touched on the theme of the Romani family. Even the musicians from the Gipsy Brothers, joined by David Kraus, eventually began sharing their own stories, and the evening flew by all too quickly.
Children are also searching for who they truly are. Khamoro Kher helps them find their way
Who am I and where do I actually belong? These are just some of the questions asked by Romani children growing up in children's homes. As part of the Khamoro festival, we have once again implemented a unique program Khamoro Kher, which helps these children discover their Romani identity.
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One of the most popular Khamoro events! A parade of performers will march through the center of Prague today.
One of our most popular festival events is just around the corner. The traditional parade will fill the heart of Prague with a vibrant celebration. The day will conclude with an evening concert of traditional Romani music at La Fabrika, which is once again not to be missed. Come dance, sing, and celebrate life!
Cimbalom music, flamenco, and Romani musicians from Greece. Traditional Romani music concerts kick off at La Fabrika
Tonight is all about music that will move you in every sense of the word. The first of three traditional Romani music concerts kicks off at 7 PM at La Fabrika. If this is your first time at the festival, get ready—you are in for an authentic experience that will stay with you long after the final note.
Khamoro is halfway through! Today brings theatre, a film screening, and a concert by the Vltava.
We are halfway through the festival, but the program is showing no signs of slowing down. The fourth day of Khamoro kicks off this afternoon with a Theatre of the Oppressed production, Stories of the Survivors. You can also look forward to a film screening about the Czech education system and the obstacles faced by Romani students. In the evening, we have a concert that blends classical, jazz, and Romani music.
