This initiative is part of the IJITON cultural project, promoted by the Gipuzkoa Gypsy Association for the Future AGIFUGI and the Beti Chachipén association. According to the organizers, Romastea's main goal is to strengthen relations between the Romani community and the general public, establishing Donostia as a hub for cultural dialogue.
The seven-day program will explore various facets of contemporary Romani culture, moving beyond conventional thematic structures. The organization has explained that the program has been designed in a continuous and structured manner to create its own narrative around cultural production.
“"The aim of Romastea is to bring Romani culture closer to the public so that it is better known. It is an opportunity to share, learn, and overcome prejudices, starting from culture."
The program will kick off on April 8 at Hendaia's Centre Denentzat with an opening ceremony, where the annual manifesto will be read and a symbolic handover of the Romani flag will take place. Afterwards, a traditional ritual will be performed in the Bidasoa river, casting flowers into the water.
Over the following days, various activities are scheduled: on April 9, a children's workshop at the Cristina Enea Foundation; on April 10, an event recognizing Romani women at the city hall; on April 11, a musical gathering at Intxaurrondo Kultur Etxea; on April 12, the screening of the Oroitz vodcast at Tabakalera; on April 13, the presentation of the book Las voces at Okendo Kultur Etxea; and on April 14, a reflection session on the Caldereros at Egia Kultur Etxea.
The organizers have expressed their ambition for Romastea to become a stable cultural program in the future, aiming to strengthen cultural policies that promote diversity and disseminate Romani culture from Donostia internationally. Councillor Iñigo García Villanueva emphasized that this first edition is just the beginning, with hopes for the initiative to grow annually and become a fixture in the city's cultural offerings.
