The Tenerife Island Council commemorated the World Roma People Day yesterday with the reading of a manifesto, delivered by representatives of seven groups from the Federación E Rroma Va. Social Action Councillor, Águeda Fumero, expressed gratitude “for the unity from which we have worked to be able to celebrate this day, where we take the opportunity to raise awareness about the Romani people, acknowledge their worth, and raise our voices to put an end to stigma and discrimination.”
The event was attended by representatives from the municipalities of Santa Cruz and La Laguna, the Canary Islands Parliament, and the Canary Islands Government.
With the reading of the manifesto, the entities that are part of the Island Romani People’s Forum thanked all authorities for providing visibility on a date that is significant for the Romani people, which has been commemorated since April 8, 1971, when the first World Romani/Gypsy Congress was held in London, where the Romani flag and anthem were also established.
The Island’s Social Action Councillor explained that “we have wanted to raise our voices to end the stigma and discrimination that the Romani people have been subjected to for so long,” and stressed that “from the Island Council, we are making every effort to contribute to the development, in Tenerife, of a society that is increasingly fair and inclusive, guaranteeing equal opportunities among all its citizens.”
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One of the emotional moments during the event was the tribute to Rafael Heredia, a prominent member of the Romani community on the island who was known for his involvement and advocacy for the Romani community alongside his wife, Josefa Santiago. Heredia passed away last Saturday, leaving behind a legacy of solidarity and activism.
