Day of celebration designed to break down barriers

Scotland’s biggest Roma community gathered at the weekend to celebrate International Roma Day.

Glasgow’s Roma community united in the city’s Govanhill to highlight how the community is impacting positively on Scotland’s culture.

Dozens donning traditional dress gathered outside Queens Park Parish Church on Daisy Street, as locals were treated to a series of performers, acts and music.

The parade was followed by speeches, free food and activities for children.

International Roma Day was first declared in 1990 – a day which celebrates Romani culture and raises awareness of the issues facing Roma people, including discrimination and social exclusion.

The event was attended by local councillor Mhairi Hunter and other community leaders.

Sian Sabia, a local Roma campaigner, said the event was a “huge success”.

“These kinds of events are becoming increasingly important as hostility towards our community rises,” she said. “Today we showed what the Roma community has to offer and how we are the same as everyone else.

She added: “Glasgow has embraced this day and owe a huge debt of gratitude to our adopted city for its amazing hospitality.”