The Romani flag is to be raised atop the Vilnius TV Tower on Wednesday to mark International Romani Day.
"This date is very important to us every year, but this year is special – we are marking the 55th anniversary of the official recognition of the Romani flag. I believe this is a great opportunity to speak more broadly about issues relevant to the Romani community and to remind everyone that Romani people are citizens just like everyone else," said Istvan Kvik, chairman of the Lithuanian Romani Community.
Kvik said the decision to raise the flag on the TV Tower reflected a shift in public attitudes towards the community, while acknowledging that legal constraints had so far prevented a similar gesture at the Seimas.
"In many European countries, the Romani flag is raised at state institutions on this day. We submitted such a request to the Seimas, but since the Romani do not have a legally recognised geographic state, the Lithuanian legal framework does not yet allow for this," he said.
The International Romani Day Commemorations will begin at the Seimas Visitor Centre, where a new photo exhibition of Romani handicrafts and jewellery, titled I am a Romani Woman – I am a European: a Manifesto of Identity, Freedom and Dignity, will open alongside discussions on Romani culture and national issues.
The traditional ceremony will also include a flag procession, the singing of the anthem, and the release of flowers into the Neris River in memory of the victims of the Romani genocide.
Vaiva Poškaitė-Kovaliuk, head of the Baltic Region Romani Women's Association, said Roma remain among the most discriminated against groups in society, but struck a cautiously optimistic note.
"Yes, we still see instances where 'gypsy' is used as an insult or Roma are depicted as mystical figures during Shrove Tuesday. But today is also a day to celebrate that such occurrences are becoming less frequent. This shows that difficult, long-term work is yielding results – and that inspires us," she said.
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