Romalandia - The Roma Cultural Centre

13/07/2026

🌹 Usnija Redžepova 🌹

Throughout history, Roma artists have performed on some of the world's biggest stages—and sometimes for world leaders.

One of them was Usnija Redžepova, widely regarded as one of the greatest Romani voices of the former Yugoslavia.

Born into a Romani family in Skopje in 1946, Usnija devoted more than four decades to music. Renowned for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, she performed traditional Romani and Balkan music across Europe, recorded numerous albums, and enjoyed a successful career as an actress, becoming a proud ambassador for Romani culture.

One of the most remarkable moments of her career came during a state reception attended by Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

According to Usnija's own recollection, the microphone cable was too short for her to reach the table where the world leaders were seated. As she began to sing, Fidel Castro was so captivated by her performance that he stood up, picked up his chair and carried it closer so he could watch her from just a metre away. Tito followed, and soon many of the other guests had done the same.

Usnija later recalled that Castro requested several encores before inviting her to visit Cuba, describing her as "enchanting." Tito reportedly smiled and joked, "At this rate, we're going to lose Usnija!"

From intimate performances to international stages, Usnija Redžepova shared the beauty of Romani music with audiences around the world. Her legacy is a powerful reminder of the immense talent, creativity and cultural richness that Roma people have contributed to music, theatre and the arts for generations.

07/07/2026

An evening of Romani Music at Bradford Live
Featuring Zor & Terne Caje

07/07/2026

The building is currently home to England's first Roma Cultural Centre

04/07/2026

🥔 Halušky – A Favourite in Many Roma Homes

For many Roma families across Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and neighbouring countries, few meals bring back memories of home quite like halušky.

Although halušky is a traditional Central European dish, it has become a much-loved favourite in many Roma households over generations.

Made from small, soft potato dumplings (similar to mini gnocchi), halušky is simple, comforting and filling. Its affordable ingredients made it a practical meal for large families, and over time each family developed its own favourite way of serving it.

Some of the most popular variations include:
🥓 Crispy smoked bacon
🧀 Bryndza sheep's cheese
🥛 Sour cream
🥬 Sauerkraut
🍅 Tomato sauce
🍗 Chicken or pork

Every family has their own recipe, making halušky a dish full of tradition, memories and togetherness.

Coming soon to the Romalandia Community Café! We'll soon be serving authentic halušky, giving everyone the chance to enjoy one of the most loved comfort foods found in many Roma homes.

Have you tried halušky before? What's your favourite way to eat it? ❤️

02/07/2026

01/07/2026

01/07/2026

👶🏻Traditional Roma Birth & Family Beliefs ❤️

For generations, the birth of a child has been one of the most treasured moments in Roma life. Alongside the joy of welcoming a new baby came traditions and beliefs intended to protect both mother and child during what was seen as a special and vulnerable time.

While customs varied between Roma communities and families, some traditional beliefs included:

🎀 Red ribbon or thread – Some families tied a small red ribbon to a baby's clothing, blanket or pram. It was believed to help protect against the "evil eye" and unwanted envy.

🧿 Protection from envy – In many Roma families, newborns were considered especially vulnerable to envy or the "evil eye." Some people avoided offering excessive praise without also giving a blessing or prayer, believing this helped protect the child from misfortune.

🪞 Mirrors – In some Roma families, very young babies were not encouraged to look into mirrors too early. It was traditionally believed this could bring bad luck or disturb the baby's wellbeing.

👣 Stepping over a baby – Some believed it was unlucky to step over a baby, as it could affect the child's growth, health or future.

💧 The first bath – A baby's first bath was treated with great respect. In some traditions, the bath water was not thrown away carelessly, as it was believed to carry blessings connected to the child's future.

🎁 Meaningful gifts for newborns – Gifts were often practical and given with love and good wishes. Handmade blankets, clothing, silver coins, religious medals or family keepsakes were sometimes presented as symbols of health, prosperity, protection and a bright future.

👵 Grandmothers as keepers of tradition – Grandmothers often passed down generations of knowledge about childbirth, baby care, herbal remedies, cooking and family customs.

❤️ Family above all – Children were considered a blessing, and were raised surrounded by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and the wider community, with love and family at the heart of Roma life.

These customs remind us of the importance our ancestors placed on protecting new life, caring for one another, and preserving traditions through the generations.

**Roma traditions vary across countries, communities and families. This post shares examples of folk beliefs and customs that have been passed down through generations as part of our rich and diverse cultural heritage**

30/06/2026

From 20 to 26 June, young Roma activists and future facilitators came together in Krakow for the Dikh He Na Bister 2026 Capacity Building Activity.

During the week, participants strengthened their competences in facilitation, non-formal education and experiential learning. They explored how to create meaningful learning spaces, guide group processes, and support young people in connecting remembrance with action.

Through sessions on human rights education, Holocaust remembrance, antigypsyism, discrimination, stereotypes and prejudice, the group reflected on the role of education in building memory, dignity and responsibility.

This activity was part of the wider vision of Dikh He Na Bister: remembrance, Roma youth participation and the fight against antigypsyism.

As the activity comes to an end today, we thank all participants, facilitators, partners and supporters who contributed to this important process.

23/06/2026