BRADFORD’S Roma community are feeling a stronger sense of belonging after they were joined by people from all backgrounds at a celebration earlier this week, one local figure said.
Daniel Balaz, director of Connecting Roma, helped to organise Mikuláš (Saint Nicholas Day) celebrations on Tuesday, with Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchliffe one of around 240 people in attendance.
Mikuláš is an important religious and cultural festival for Roma people and is celebrated across Europe.
Tuesday’s event was held at Oasis Academy Lister Park, and Daniel said it was important in promoting inclusion and allowing the Roma community to share their culture with others.
“It was a really lovely day,” said Daniel, 32, who was born in the Czech Republic and moved to Bradford at the age of ten.
“We hope it can allow the people of Bradford to understand who the Roma people – their neighbours – really are.”
Daniel argued that, a few years ago, it would have been rare to see an event like this held on such a large scale in the UK. The fact that Roma culture is now more visible and is being celebrated with others suggests progress.
“What really surprised a lot of Roma people was how much the wider community were interested. It was amazing to see people from other cultures get involved, dancing and enjoying our food,” he said.
“We were really happy to see people like Cllr Hinchcliffe and members of West Yorkshire Police there.
“It shows that Roma people are welcome in Bradford and it gives our community a sense of empowerment – Bradford is our home and where we belong.”
Mikuláš sees St Nicholas – who, Daniel explains, is essentially Santa Claus – accompanied by an angel and Krampus, a demon who scares misbehaving children.
The angel makes sure Krampus does not harm the children, and St Nicholas then rewards them with gifts.
“Roma people are very excited for the City of Culture 2025, and we really want to be a part of Bradford’s vision,” Daniel continued.
“We’re hoping to get involved in more local festivals and events, and we also want to celebrate International Roma Day here in Bradford – we want it to be the biggest Roma Day in the UK, if not in Europe.
“We hope to be role models for the next generation of Roma people. We hope that, in the coming years, it will be normal to see a Roma person working in a professional setting and living a good life.”
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