Gypsy Roma Traveller Leeds
The permanent site of the Gypsy Roma Traveller Communities
Text Size |
Around the site
The GRT Year
Annual Events
February:
Romanian Roma celebrate their liberation from slavery.
Roma Day
April 8th:
Roma Day is on 8th April and has been since 1971. This was the opening day of the first World Romani Congress near London. It aims to reinforce a global sense of solidarity amongst the Roma people - a nation without land. World Roma Day is marked by events in cities around the world and is supported by the International Romani Union, members of the Roma National Congress, the Association of Roma in the CIS and Baltic States, the All India Banjara Seva Sangh, the Trans-European Roma Federation and hundreds of smaller organisations and groups.
Erdelezi (St Georges Day)
May 5th and 6th:
One of the biggest events is Erdelezi which falls on the orthodox St George's day in May. “To the Roma, Erdelezi is like Thanksgiving in the USA,” says author Garth Cartwright.
Stow Horse Fair
May:
Quite simply, the biggest horse fair in the South of England. Held in a field at Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire.
Saintes Maries de la Mer
May 24:
The main town of the Camargue in the south of France. This is a pilgrimage destination for Roma (Gypsies) who gather yearly in the town for a religious festival in honor of Saint Sarah also known as Sara-la-Kali (Sara the black). Dark-skinned Saint Sara is said to have possibly been the Egyptian servant of the three Marys (the three saints Mary Magdalene, Mary Salome and Mary Jacobe).
Roma participation in pilgrimage and their veneration of Saint Sarah has been recorded since the middle of the 19th century by travellers and parish priests.
Epsom Derby
Early June:
One of the biggest horse racing events in Britain and one that has a long Gypsy history andreally big Gypsy and Showman attendance.
Appleby Horsefair
Early June:
Appleby Fair runs for a week in June, in the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria.
The main days for visitors are Saturday through to Wednesday. Every kind of vehicle, from the traditional vardo to the cut-glass caravan can be seen.
It is probably the best known of the horse fairs attended by Romany families travelling to meet up with old friends and conduct business. It is world famous, the largest of its kind in the world, and attracts a huge gypsy gathering.
It has existed as a fair for horse trading since 1685, under the protection of a charter granted by James II.
The field on the outskirts of Appleby originally known as Gallows Hill, due to its usage in earlier times is now called Fair Hill and looks over the town of Appleby. During the Fair, horses may be found everywhere - in the river, on its banks, along the roadsides or tethered outside hotels and shops.
Young people wash the horses in the River Eden and are then ready to show them off. The tradition of racing and trotting the horses along Flashing Lane takes place throughout the day.
Cambridge Fair
June:
Like most of the historic fairs in the country, this fair dates back to a charter given in the middle ages.
Midsummer Common, Cambridge
Lee Gap Fair
First Lee late August (St Bartholomews Day)
Latter Lee Mid September:
800 years old and counting. This fair at West Ardsley near Wakefield was once held for three weeks and three days around St Bartholomew, now it happens on just two days.
Kenilworth Horse Fair
The Traveller Horse Fair at Thickthorn, Kenilworth has been running for three years and this year three events were held.
The event is held on private land.
Hop Farm Gypsy Arts Festival
September:
Set in 400 acres of the Kent countryside, The Hop Farm is one of the South East’s most popular event venues, the spectacular Oast village providing the perfect setting for a great family day out.
This Festival feature live music, dancing, storytelling, open fire cooking demonstrations and tastings and Gypsy Traveller crafts. The Festival will also feature music and art workshops, and Gypsy Traveller film screenings.
All Gypsy Arts Festivals South East events and activities are free. However there is the normal admission charge to enter the Hop Farm.
Water Orton Horse Fair & Market
October:
Refreshments, entertainments and trade stands. Promises to be fun for all the family and everybody is welcome.
Birmingham Road,
Water Orton,
Birmingham B46 1TA
Contact Rob: 07966 433378