Ever wondered about the hidden cultural gems thriving in Scotland? A groundbreaking festival is about to unfold, bringing together the largest celebration of Roma heritage the nation has ever seen. Discover how music, art, and community spirit are weaving a powerful new narrative for the Roma people. What impact will this vibrant gathering have?

Janos Lang, a Hungarian-born musician, found his path to Scotland through the captivating sounds of traditional music, a journey that ultimately inspired a monumental effort to uplift and celebrate one of Scotland’s most historically isolated communities: the Roma people. His personal narrative, deeply intertwined with the power of music and cultural identity, forms the bedrock of an initiative aimed at fostering connection and combating centuries of stigma.

Lang’s early exposure to Irish and Scottish folk traditions, initially encountered during his father’s musical tours beyond the Iron Curtain, left an indelible mark. This fascination culminated in his discovery of the Scottish band Shooglenifty, whose innovative fusion of traditional and modern instruments further cemented his passion for the country’s vibrant musical landscape and set the stage for his future endeavors.

The Romani people have a long and complex history in Scotland, with evidence of their presence dating back to the 16th century. Today, Glasgow’s Govanhill is home to the second-largest Roma community in the UK, a population that has endured significant challenges, including widespread persecution, enslavement, and the genocidal horrors of the Holocaust, which claimed the lives of over 250,000 Romani people.

Despite this painful past and an inherited mistrust of state institutions, a growing number of Roma individuals are actively overcoming these barriers, achieving success in education and work, and embracing healthier lifestyles. This internal shift towards empowerment is crucial for the community’s continued development and integration into wider society.

Upon settling in Glasgow around 2016, Lang channeled his passion for music into establishing Ando Glaso – meaning “In Tune” – a charity dedicated to promoting and celebrating Roma culture in Govanhill. This organization’s foundational principle revolves around leveraging intangible cultural heritage to support Roma people and seamlessly integrate their rich traditions into mainstream society, challenging pervasive stereotypes and fostering greater understanding.

Historically, music has served as a vital bridge for Roma communities, enabling them to connect with mainstream societies and sustain themselves. However, Lang observed a disconnect within the contemporary Scottish Roma community, where a preference for generic pop music often overshadowed their unique traditional sounds. Ando Glaso seeks to re-educate and inspire a renewed appreciation for their authentic cultural heritage, highlighting its intrinsic value and potential for strong, identifiable connection.

Ando Glaso’s mission is built upon three key pillars: fostering creativity through high-quality cultural products, rigorously researching intangible cultural heritage, and advocating for Roma-led cultural platforms. With support from Creative Scotland, the organization is actively working to empower Roma voices and leadership, recognizing a global need for such initiatives, particularly in Scotland where opportunities for collaboration and growth are increasingly accessible.

The upcoming Ando Glaso Glasgow festival, scheduled for September 12 and 13, promises to be the largest Roma cultural gathering ever held in Scotland, and the only UK event solely focused on Roma arts, culture, and heritage. Featuring a diverse lineup of international performers like Lucie Bikarova and Bobby Blaze, alongside local talents, the festival will encompass a youth festival, an international concert series, a short film competition, an arts and crafts fair, and a cultural symposium, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of Roma artistry.

Beyond celebrating artistic expression, the festival carries a profound message of self-confidence and community control, aiming to encourage greater engagement between Scotland’s Roma community and the wider world. Lang envisions Scotland as a leading example of successful Roma integration, demonstrating the power of collective effort and well-executed initiatives to inspire positive change globally.