European Network of Cultural Centres (ENCC)

Udvar Festival

"UCCU" Roma Informális Oktatási Közhasznú Alapítvány
Hungary
udvarfeszt-háttér

Nestled in the heart of Arló, a village in Hungary's most economically challenged county, Udvar Festival emerges as a beacon of Roma culture and arts. Recognising the dual challenges of cultural stigmatisation and limited opportunities for local Romani children, the festival aims to promote inclusivity, education, and cultural preservation. A cultural event that aims to destigmatize and celebrate Roma culture can act as a much-needed catalyst for positive change in the community.

Nestled in the heart of Arló, a village in Hungary's most economically challenged county, Udvar Festival emerges as a beacon of music, culture, and arts, aiming to fight the stigmatisation of Romani people. This annual celebration, which debuted in May 2022, quickly captured attendees' hearts, drawing a crowd of four hundred people over two days. By June 2023, its allure had expanded, welcoming an eclectic mix of Roma locals and approximately 30 international guests. It was an invaluable event for the locals, whose disadvantaged economic situation often limits these intercultural experiences. 

Similarly, for the foreign visitors, Udvar Festival provided a unique opportunity to get to know a community’s cultural and human values that prejudice may conceal. Udvar Festival stands as a vibrant platform for showcasing Roma culture, challenging stigmas, and fostering community spirit. Recognising the dual challenges of cultural stigmatisation and limited opportunities for local Romani children, the festival aims to be more than just an event; it is a movement towards inclusivity, education, and cultural preservation. 

The alarming trend of Romani children discontinuing education prematurely and the scarcity of community spaces underscore the urgency of our mission. In light of these challenges, a cultural event that displays Romani culture in a positive light to destigmatize and normalise Roma culture can act as a much-needed catalyst for positive change in the community.

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