Olomouc, North Moravia, Sept 12 (CTK) – Hundreds of Romanies from across the Czech Republic will take part in the traditional Romany pilgrimage to Svaty Kopecek (Holy Hill) near Olomouc on Saturday, Charity Olomouc spokeswoman Eva Stefkova told CTK yesterday.
The aim of the Way to Oneself event is to allow Romanies from the whole country to meet, present their own culture and contribute to bringing the Romany minority and the majority society closer to one another, Stefkova said.
“We invite to the pilgrimage not only all Romanies, but also those who are interested in Romany culture and want to learn more about Romany habits and traditions,” Petr Macek, Charity Olomouc deputy director, said.
At 11:00 CEST, Vojtech Vagai, the first Roman Catholic priest coming from the Romany community, will say a Mass in the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary basilica.
“The pilgrimage is important by connecting people, not only Romany culture. The Romanies are very emotive people. People ask me for a prayer after the mass. This is something which I do not experience commonly,” Vagai told CTK last year.
The pilgrimage will be held for the 18th time this year. Whole Romany families take part in the event, the sole one with such a long tradition in the country.
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