Almansa will celebrate for the first time an event on the occasion of the International Day of the Gypsy People, an initiative that seeks to make their history, culture, and demands visible and known. The event, which will take place on April 6 at 18:30 at the Teatro Principal, was presented at a press conference by Juan Fernández, the event’s promoter, and Carmen Fernández, the event’s presenter, along with the mayor of the town, Pilar Callado.
The event, with the support of the Almansa City Council, is presented as a historic event for the city, marking a key step in the inclusion and recognition of this community. The celebration will include the screening of a documentary entitled «The truth, the real history of the Gypsy people,» which will narrate the journey of the Gypsy people in Spain and Europe. In addition, a flamenco show has been prepared with the participation of local artists Juan José Fernández and Silvia La Peña, along with the collaboration of José Antonio Gil, Carmen F. Hernández, Carmen F. Heredia, and Juan Fernández himself.
Carmen Fernández, the event’s presenter, detailed that the documentary will be complemented with a narration and a series of historical photographs that will allow attendees to better understand the origins and trajectory of the Gypsy people.
Juan Fernández emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that «an activity of this nature had never been carried out in Almansa» and that the goal is «to make the history and culture of the Gypsy people known to the entire population of Almansa.» He also pointed out that this event is just the beginning of a path that could lead to the creation of the first Gypsy association in the city, an idea that has arisen from the organization of this event.
For her part, Mayor Pilar Callado expressed the City Council’s support for the initiative, emphasizing that «this event is not only an opportunity for the Gypsy people to show their history, but also a chance for the rest of the population to learn more about their reality and dispel stereotypes.» She also highlighted the significance of a gesture that will take place in local history: on April 2, the flag of the Gypsy people will be hung at the Town Hall as a symbol of the institution’s commitment to the inclusion and recognition of this community.