Eastern Europe Observes European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day

The European Union officially designated August 2 as the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day in 2015 to remember the victims of the Porajmos, the genocide of Roma people during World War II. In Germany, the day is observed through a combination of memorial services, educational activities in schools and museums, and public speeches by officials and community leaders. These events aim to raise awareness of the historical injustices faced by Roma communities and to promote reconciliation and remembrance.

In eastern European countries, the observances vary but share a common focus on remembrance and education. Poland hosts a national ceremony at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, where survivors and descendants deliver testimonies. Romania organizes exhibitions and lectures in major cities, while Hungary holds a commemorative march in Budapest that includes a moment of silence and a reading of the names of known victims. Across the region, schools incorporate the Porajmos into history curricula, and several NGOs collaborate with local authorities to ensure the day is marked with both solemnity and public outreach.