The Roma folklore and cultural identity at the center of the 20th children's festival in Veliko Tarnovo

The jubilee edition of the Roma children's festival "Open Heart" in Veliko Tarnovo highlighted the importance of Roma culture and the role of women in the community. The event, which is held annually, attracted over 1500 participants from 100 schools across Bulgaria, who demonstrated the diversity of Roma folklore through dances, songs, theater performances, art workshops, and showcasing of traditional crafts.

During the official opening of the festival, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science Emilia Lazarova emphasized the need for more discussions on tolerance, mutual respect, and social responsibility. She pointed out that through the arts and culture of different ethnic groups, important values are passed on from an early age in the family and school.

The festival, organized by the Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance "Amalipe", was held in Marno Pole Park with the support of the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo. The participants were also welcomed by the Deputy Governor of Veliko Tarnovo, Yuliya Likomanowa-Mutafchieva, and the Deputy Mayor of the city, Georgi Nedev. Among the guests of the event were the Ambassador of India to Bulgaria, H.E. Arun Sahu, and representatives of various national and local institutions.

Within the framework of the festival, a discussion on the topic "Roma culture and identity today" was organized, where the role of cultural institutions in preserving Roma identity, as well as topics related to educational integration, were discussed. Traditionally, the participants paraded along the main street of Veliko Tarnovo, demonstrating the richness of Roma folklore.