It will be merry at Kežmarok Castle on Friday 16 July! The finalists of Roma Spirit 2020 will meet in person for the first time and receive awards for their activities and work that help improve the lives of the Roma, or the coexistence of the Roma and the non-Roma in Slovakia.
The social and cultural event is co-organised by the 2013 Roma Spirit laureate, the Private Combined School, Biela Voda in Kežmarok. The event will feature the school’s students artistic performances and a demonstration of traditional crafts. The event will end with the talented multi-genre artist Teri Čikoš and her band’s concert.
“We are looking forward to making up for the cancelled Roma Spirit 2020 Gala,” stated Magdalena Roth, ACEC Director. “I believe that we will meet at the castle in health and good spirits to celebrate together the finalists and their exceptional work and activities,” she added.
A distinguished guest – the Public Defender of Rights, Mária Patakyová, who once again assumed the patronage of the Roma Spirit Awards, will be present as well. Free admission to the event. The capacity will be limited due to anti-epidemic measures.
“It is an honour to come in person to thank people for their work, their free time, their human approach and especially for their courage. I believe that their courage will contribute to creating a better and modern Slovakia,” said Csaba Horváth, director of Opre Roma and member of the Roma Spirit Preparatory Committee. “I am even more excited that we will be able to meet again and have fun together after such a long time!” he added.
Roma Spirit recognises the activities, organisations and people who are actively involved in addressing the challenges that our society faces. Each year, thanks to nominations from all over the country, we have the opportunity to meet 21 unique finalists whose respect, honest work and effort in understanding and engaging in dialogue make them extraordinary and worthy of public recognition.
This year, Roma Spirit enters its 13th year. You can nominate your favourites until August 31 at www.romaspirit.sk. The Roma Spirit Preparatory Committee will select 21 finalists from all nominations. The International Jury of Experts will decide who will receive the Roma Spirit 2021 award. The award ceremony will be broadcast on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day on 9 December by RTVS.
The announcers of Roma Spirit 2021 are the Association for Culture, Education and Communication (ACEC) and Radio and Television of Slovakia. The event is under the auspices of the President of the Slovak Republic, Zuzana Čaputová, and the Public Defender of Rights, Mária Patakyová.
