11th International Gypsy Caravan of Remembrance
The first edition of the Gypsy Caravan of Remembrance was created as an open-air adjustment to the first permanent exhibition on Gypsy history and culture in Europe. Today the exhibitions of Tarnów Ethnographic Museum are considered to be among the most important of its kind in the world. And the Caravan of Remembrance has turned into an international event. Visitors from abroad are not only Gypsies, but also journalists eager to taste the flavor of the past. Not many Gypsy wanderers are still alive. But the legend of freedom and independence is, and becomes more and more popular among the Gypsy society.
Unique is also the message that Caravan delivers. It reminds of the extermination of Gypsy population during the WWII. The Nazis murdered Roma people not only in concentration camps but executed them in the villages and woods of Tarnów Plateau. The Caravan travels to those places of martyrdom.
Each day of wander ends with a camp by the fire, dances and music concerts.
Schedule of the 11th International Gypsy Caravan of Remembrance
July 22nd (Thursday):
10.00 a.m.
Departure from Tarnów, from the gates of Tarnów Ethnografic Museum
Route: Krakowska St, Rynek (Town Square), Wałowa St, Lwowska St, Starodąbrowska St, Słoneczna St, M.B. Fatimskiej St, Krzyska St: Nowy Cmentarz, the New Cemetery, in Tarnów-Krzyż district – a prayer by the grave of Gypsies from Tarnów; Pawęzów, Łęg Tarnowski, Żabno: a prayer by the monument of murdered Gypsies; Radłów, Waryś, Borzęcin Dolny.
6 p.m.
A camp on a “Sokół” playing field in Borzęcin Dolny
July 23rd (Friday)
After the breakfast
Departure for Szczurowa – a prayer by the murdered Gypsies monument. Later honors to the executed in borzęcki woods in Borzęcin Dolny.
Evening
“Sokół” playing field in Borzęcin Dolny: Opening of the “Gypsy – History and culture” and “Gypsy wander” exhibition
July 24th (Saturday)
After the breakfast
Departure for Bielcza – a prayer in the place of Gypsy mass-murder site in Biedacz and by the mass-grave on cemetery in Bielcza.
Evening
Concert of the Alojz Pompa Romani Lavuta Band from Slovakia
July 25th (Sunday)
Departure for Tarnów.