Polish-Slovak Roma Concert – A Shared Cultural Space in Europe
Although today they live on opposite sides of the border, the Galician Roma still speak the same language — the language of music, dance, and shared traditions. The Polish-Slovak Roma Concert proved that Roma culture not only transcends national borders but is also a vibrant, colorful part of European culture that can bring people together regardless of language or place of residence.
On June 14, 2025, the Polish-Slovak Roma Concert took place at the Art Exhibitions Bureau in Krosno, becoming a true feast of music and culture. The event was organized by our Foundation as part of the SYNERGIE program and formed part of the celebrations of Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. The main goal of the concert was to bring people together, showcase the richness of Roma culture, and build bridges between communities.
On stage, the band Romano Iło, led by Łukasz Andrasz, performed traditional Roma music from the Podkarpacie region in a fresh, modern style. The audience also had the chance to hear the band Sila v mladosti from Stará Ľubovňa, who brought music from the Slovak Roma community of the Prešov region.
One of the most exciting moments was the jam session, where musicians from Poland and Slovakia improvised together, exchanging arrangements and infectious energy. There were also Roma dances that drew both the artists and the audience into the lively atmosphere.
The concert aimed to show that Roma culture is an important part of European heritage and that playing and singing together can bring people closer, regardless of their background. The event was organized in cooperation with ETP Slovensko, which prepared the Slovak side of the repertoire and co-promoted the entire initiative.
The concert was co-financed by the National Centre for Culture under the SYNERGIE program.
The entire evening was hosted by Przemek Polański and Rajmund Siwak from Krosno, who created a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The Polish-Slovak Roma Concert left behind many emotions and beautiful memories. It showed that music and dance truly have the power to connect people and create a space for understanding. Watch the video clip to feel its atmosphere!
The „Polish-Slovak Roma Concert” project is an exceptional initiative carried out as part of the SYNERGIE program, aimed at promoting European values through cultural activities. This initiative aligns with the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2025, including social solidarity, activating diverse social groups, and supporting young people in their development.
About the Project
In Krosno, a center of Roma community life in Poland, an event will bring together Roma musicians from Poland and Slovakia. The concert is scheduled for June 14, 2025, and will take place at the Art Exhibition Bureau (Biuro Wystaw Artystycznych) in Krosno.
CONCERT PROGRAM
- Performance by „Romano Iło”, of which the leader Łukasz Andrasz, showcasing traditional Roma music from the Podkarpacie region in a modern rendition.
Performance by „Sila v mladosti” from Stará Ľubovňa, presenting music of Slovak Roma from the Prešov region (historic Spiš). - Jam session, where Polish and Slovak musicians will create a space for improvisation and artistic exchange.
- Dancing!
Goals of the Project
The „Polish-Slovak Roma Concert” aims to:
- Foster integration of local and international communities, in line with UNESCO’s principle of „leaving no one behind.”
- Strengthen the sense of belonging of local communities to the European Union by highlighting the richness of Roma culture as a vital part of shared heritage.
- Create a platform for artistic collaboration between Roma and non-Roma musicians, encouraging the exchange of experiences and inspiration.
Partnership
The project is implemented in collaboration with ETP Slovensko, an organization supporting Roma communities in Slovakia. The partner is responsible for selecting artists, preparing the repertoire, and promoting the event. These joint efforts ensure a synergistic fusion of experiences and perspectives from both sides, enriching the project’s character.
A Broader Perspective
Thanks to funding from the National Centre for Culture’s SYNERGIE program, our event emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and collective cultural efforts. The online broadcast will allow a wide audience in Poland and abroad to experience the concert, highlighting the universal dimension of European values.
The „Polish-Slovak Roma Concert” exemplifies how culture can build bridges, connect generations, and strengthen the sense of community across Europe.
Co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage as part of the cultural programme of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU in 2025 under the SYNERGIE grant programme
