World's largest Roma festival kicks off in Prague this weekend

Prague, May 26, will open the 21st edition of the world’s largest Roma festival, Khamoro.

In addition to musical performances by world artists, this year’s program features an exhibition of photographs with a Roma theme, theater performances, Roma literature, and a children’s day.

The Sunday, 26.5 opening will feature Slovak group Igor Kmeťo & Band who will perform at the Karlín Barracks and the band Lače Manuša and Gipsy Suno from the Czech Republic. Entry to the opening party is free for the general public.

The main star of the program is the 12-member group Fanfare Ciocărlia, known for its vigorous fast sound. They combine the Balkan brass with famous rock and film melodies.

Gypsy jazz musicians will perform at the popular jazz club Jazz Dock on the Vltava River. On Monday, May 27, there will be an ensemble founded by 25-year-old guitarist Gismo Graf, the rising star of German gypsy swing, which combines this genre with bossa novas and the all-stars band Hot Club d’Europe with famous guitarist Paulus Schäfer.

“This year’s Khamoro is proof that Roma music is extremely diverse, we are pleased that both the Czech Roma bands and world stars will perform at the festival,” says Khamoro, producer of Djemil Silajdžić.

There will also be a varied program for children at Khamoro. The Children’s Day “Khamororo” will take place in the Portheimka Park on Friday 31 May at 3:00 pm, with mostly children artists performing, but also a parkour exhibition of movement art.

“Lovers of Spanish flamenco will undoubtedly be impressed by the dance and musical performance of the group 3000 DeSCencias,” says Silajdžić, praising the authentic Romany flamenco ensemble hailing directly from families in the Roma city of Seville.

The week is capped off with a gala concert at SaSaZu from 8pm, June 1.

Khamoro Festival in Prague has been organized by Slovo 21 since 1999, together with Studio Production Saga.