Being Gipsy and proud of it
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Magyars, Romanians and Gipsies, combined in mixed families, constitute the population of Tarlungeni commune, bordering Brasov town. The local administration unfolds various social and cultural programs for the Gipsy ethnics and their children. Unlike the Gipsies of this community, in other localities of the county they refused to declare themselves as such or even are rejected within their native places.
Romany Culture
According to Kiss Josef, the mayor of Tarlungeni, 2006 brought a new seat for the town hall and a communitarian house in compliance with the occidental standards. The partition and the set-up of the building allow a lot of activities, among which several dedicated to the gipsies: ?I am impressed by the Romany culture and the way the gipsies know to turn it to account. They got music and dance in their blood. Their popular clothes are very impressive too. Our goal is to instruct them and help them to establish the connection with the culture that gave them birth?.
Preserving an old Language
Two classes within the local school in Tarlungeni are assigned to the gipsy children, who optionally attend Romany courses. There are specialized teachers and schoolmasters teaching this old language, lost in the course of time. Elder pupils teach the junior after school, so that the latter don?t have to work anymore at home. The schoolmasters also unfold cultural activities and constitute several Romany popular dances bands and a chorus; people are delighted to admire the coloured costumes and the impetuous dance movements.
?Lulugi? Band
Anca Mezei is a professor within the local school and the founder of ?Lulugi Romany?, a band of several pairs and a chorus of the young girls, wearing gipsy clothes and interpreting traditional songs. Children are invited to attend many cultural events, including festivals.
Zizin is a village within Tarlungeni commune which makes boast of its exceptional folkloric band; at their shows, people use to applaud frantically and put money on the girls? lap. The band was invited to perform on the Europe?s Day, on the occasion of the Romania?s accession in the European Union and on various other occasions.
Projects for the Future
The mayor Kiss Josef also attended along with the Romany bands sporting events: ?On many occasion we went at the gym to assist the indoor handball games of the Romania?s champ team. It is a good occasion to present to band, but also educate it to respect and love this game. Instead of becoming mothers at the age of 12, as many of the gipsy girls do, it would be better for them to get involved in sport. The gipsy children are also involved in a workshop of glass-painting, which best works have been exhibited at the town hall. For 2007 we already received a lot of invitations to perform abroad?.
