Analysis of the Cultural and Social Life of Roma in Lunik IX During the First 30 Years of the History of the Founding of the Slovak Republic

Embedded media: https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1e4jdNQtxzMTh3yHgnngyr?utm_source=generator

The Lunik IX district in Košice is a well-known Roma housing estate that has received wide media attention not only in Slovakia but also abroad. It is the largest Roma settlement in the Slovak Republic with a population of more than 6,900 inhabitants. When Lunik IX was established in 1979, it was a modern housing estate in Košice and developed in a natural area near the forest. As a socialist experiment, a group of Roma were to settle there together with families of civil servants, mostly from the armed forces. The aim was to promote the integration of the majority and minority through the ABC concept: A - Army (soldiers), B - Security (policemen), and C - Roma (Ficeri, 2022).

Despite social problems, there has been limited interest from the government, the media, and ordinary people in Slovakia in the cultural and social life of the Roma in this housing estate. This study aims to change that and to provide direct insight into the cultural and social life of the Roma living in Lunik IX for everyone interested.

In general, traditional Roma families in the not-so-distant past had well-defined hierarchical structures and close internal relations. However, modernization and social changes have gradually caused traditional life patterns to disappear. Contemporary Roma families are facing a gradual loss of traditional values and elements, while the preservation of cultural traditions is becoming increasingly important (Barányiová, Keresztes, 2014).

Culture in a society is a complex set of values, symbols, and customs transmitted from generation to generation that defines the identity of a particular community. Roma people have a rich cultural tradition in Slovakia that spans more than seven centuries (Rosinský, 2013).

Their presence in the country’s history goes back to the Middle Ages and has influenced not only Slovak culture but also Central European culture (Mistrík et al., 2008).

Music has always played a significant role in Roma history and has been an important part of Roma lives. Roma musicians were respected not only among their own community but also in wider society, and their songs and melodies became part of the European musical landscape (Bodorová, Pulišová, 2010).

However, after the Velvet Revolution in 1989 and subsequently after the division of Czechoslovakia and the establishment of the independent Slovak Republic in 1993, many isolated Roma localities were created, which affected the cultural life of the community in Lunik IX as well as other communities in Slovakia (Radičová, 2002).

The 2021 Census of Population, Houses, and Dwellings puts the number of Roma at 156,164. However, experts estimate their actual number at 417,000, representing approximately 7.6% of the total population of Slovakia. An estimated 7–8.5 million Roma live in Europe, a significant proportion of the continent’s total population. Their presence, however, is even broader and more diverse, with cultural influence visible in many aspects of European life (Grauzelová, Markovič, 2020).

At present it is important to monitor the development of Roma culture and communities, including through surveys and studies. The results of a 2018 survey indicate that cultural identity remains an important part of the lives of Roma households, with more than 82% of families communicating exclusively in the Roma language (Matej, 2021).

Notable Slovak Roma musicians include figures such as Ján Berky Mrenica and Rinaldo Oláh, who have enriched not only Slovak but also European musical life with their music. Their contribution to Roma cultural heritage is invaluable, and their works still appeal to a wide international audience (Facuna, Lužica, 2017).

Methodology

• Qualitative research.
• A total of 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted and processed.
• Research sample: 14 Roma of different ages and with different life paths living in Lunik IX.
• Each respondent has lived in Lunik IX for different lengths of time. Some were born there and have lived there all their lives; others moved there. Some left Lunik IX for work but are always happy to return.
• A descriptive and selective method was used.

The Results:

Interview 1 - Marcel (Age: 45 years. He has lived 43 years in Lunik IX):

1. Everyday life: In addition to being an active resident of Lunik IX, he also holds important positions in local government, including mayor and deputy. His son is a musician, and his daughter works as a nurse, showing a diversity of professions within one family. Marcel is actively involved in political life and is interested in the culture and society of Lunik IX. He listens to Romani music, speaks Romani as his mother tongue, and values and tries to preserve Roma culture and traditions.
2. Changes in Lunik IX: In the past, Lunik IX was inhabited not only by Roma. Its cultural and social life was fairly developed. After the division of Czechoslovakia into two independent states, the number of cultural activities for Roma decreased for a period. Over time, with effective municipal leadership, cultural and social activities and leisure areas for Roma began to develop. Thanks to this, today the cultural and social life of Lunik IX residents can develop more fully. The mayor has played a major role in this progress. Thanks to him, rest areas, multifunctional playgrounds, and spaces for cooperation with local, governmental, and non-governmental organizations have gradually been created in Lunik IX, helping to organize cultural and social events for various resident groups, including pensioners. Choirs in Lunik IX are very active and perform successfully not only in Slovakia but also abroad, indicating increased cultural and social integration of the community. Roma festivals are organized annually, and local Roma bands are promoted.
3. The importance of preserving the Roma language and culture: Lunik IX is a unique semi-enclosed community where 100% of schoolchildren are Roma. This community maintains its culture and the Roma language. Every schoolchild speaks Romani. One hundred percent of residents in the community speak the Roma language.
4. Family relations: Roma in Lunik IX usually do not knock on each other’s doors; they simply open the door and visit each other—for example, a brother visiting a sister. Relations remain very good to this day.
5. Education in Lunik IX: Children have more opportunities for education today, but some families still prioritize household work. In Lunik IX, Roma residents can also be divided into several groups: some are more willing to pursue education, others are not.
6. Roma music: The Roma bands and ensembles are central to community life. Even very young children dance very well in the čardáš. It is an area particularly rich in music and dance.
7. Preserving traditions: Suggested steps to preserve cultural and social customs include teaching the Roma language at universities and implementing Roma teaching-assistant projects. In addition, developing cultural projects and festivals and promoting musical heritage support the preservation of Roma identity and culture in Lunik IX.

Interview 2 - Roman (Age: 47. He has lived with his family for 31 years in Lunik IX):

1. Daily life: He works as a field social worker in Lunik IX. He had moved away because of unfavorable housing conditions in the area at the time. He is present in the locality every day and helps there to this day.
2. Changes in Lunik IX: In the past, particularly in 1981 when Roman and his family first moved to Lunik IX, life in the community was very colorful and active. Roma were employed, and cultural and social life was very rich. Traditional Roma balls were organized, prepared with effort and care. These balls were elaborate and displayed authentic Roma music, traditions, and culture. The Roma balls in Lunik IX were popular not only within the community but also in the wider region. They were documented and often written about in newspapers.
3. The breakup of Czechoslovakia and the regime change had a major impact on life for Roma in Lunik IX. Many lost their jobs, and their living standards changed. As a result of job loss and changed work habits in Lunik IX, together with large-scale migration of Roma abroad, cultural and social life in this community was also affected.
4. Roma balls still exist today. However, today their character has changed. In the past, Hungarian Roma music was predominant, since most Roma in Košice and Lunik IX knew Hungarian. Today, only Roma music predominates. Habits in this area have changed, and the forms of culture, social life, and attitudes that he remembers from childhood are fading.
5. The importance of preserving the Roma language and culture: The Roma language has been preserved. In the past, some Roma in Košice, especially in Lunik IX, knew up to three mother tongues (Romani, Slovak, and in some cases Hungarian). Roma youth still identify with Roma music, but today they also listen to modern genres such as American music.
6. It is important for Roman’s family and much of the community to preserve Roma traditions, music, and language. Despite present challenges, they have preserved their culture, although some aspects are changing, especially under modernization and globalization.
7. Education in Lunik IX: Education of children is key, but many young Roma still leave school after primary education. Nevertheless, with the support of social workers and the Romani community itself, some now reach secondary education, which is an important opportunity for a better life and better education.
8. Despite efforts by some community members to preserve traditions, current cultural and social life is different and not as rich as it was 30 years ago or earlier. Daily contact with family and community remains common, but primarily among more vulnerable individuals.
9. Preserving traditions: More emphasis should be placed on education and cultural events to preserve Roma traditions. Schools should do more to promote Roma culture and language. Traditional habits and values can be preserved through various activities and events. Older Roma and grandparents should be an important support and role model. Cultural meetings between parents, children, and especially elders, who can share memories, habits, and traditions, should be preserved. He supports the continuation and promotion of school lectures on Roma traditions.

Interview 3 - Justina (Age: 51 years. She has lived in Lunik IX for 30 years):

1. Everyday life: Justina manages her children’s morning routine, actively participates in household chores, and is interested in Roma design and embroidery courses through the ROMADE company. Daily family visits are important to her.
2. Changes in Roma customs and culture: She perceives major changes in the preservation of Roma culture. Romani is taught as a mother tongue, and Roma dance and singing are taught in schools.
3. Reasons for the changes: Justina does not know exactly what caused the changes, but she feels that the new approach to education is a positive development for the Roma.
4. What she likes most about being Roma: Justina likes music and traditions and the joy she feels when children today dance and sing, thereby passing Roma traditions into the future.
5. Changes over the past 30 years: She notes positive changes in Lunik IX, especially due to appropriate municipal leadership, which, in her view, has improved the community’s cultural and particularly social life.
6. Solidarity among Roma: She confirms solidarity exists but believes it is less pronounced than in the past.
7. Education then and now: In the past, fewer people were educated, but this is changing, with more opportunities also for older people.
8. Interest in education: She notes increased interest in education among both children and adults, with courses and studies available to different age groups.
9. What it means to be Roma for Justina: It means everything to her. She values music, traditions, and family the most.
10. Traditions in the heart and preserving traditions: She considers it important to carry traditions in the heart and pass them to future generations, and she notices active interest among younger people in Roma music and dance.
11. Preserving traditions: She suggests teaching children from an early age and guiding them to preserve traditions. She sees a positive influence when children grow up with Roma music.

Interview 4 - Richard (Age: 25. He has lived in Lunik IX for 7 years):

1. Everyday life: In his free time, Richard likes to turn on music, especially Roma chardash-style (“čardáš”), and often dances with his wife.
2. Family visits: He visits family every day and also goes to Roma parties, even outside Lunik IX.
3. Cultural events: Roma balls, festivals, and performances by Roma children and choirs are organized in Lunik IX. There is at least one Roma band.
4. Changes in Lunik IX: Richard notices positive changes in social and cultural life in Lunik IX.
5. The importance of the Romani language: For Richard, preserving the Romani language is of great importance.
6. Family relations: He believes respect for elders has been preserved and family ties remain strong and cohesive.
7. Education in Lunik IX: Richard feels there are more educated people today and children have better chances for education than in the past.
8. Preservation of traditions: In his view, Roma music and dance should be preserved most, and this happens naturally when children and young people are introduced to them.
9. Preservation: Richard believes Romani culture can be preserved for future generations when children and youth learn from their parents and engage naturally in music and dance.

Interview 5 - Renata (Age: 38 years. She has lived in Lunik IX since birth):

1. Daily life: Renata does household chores, listens exclusively to Roma songs, sings, and dances with her family.
2. Family visiting: She regularly visits her sister and family and maintains good family relations.
3. Changes in Lunik IX: Renata has noticed changes, especially in music and dance, where the younger generation has a different style.
4. Romani language: For Renata and her family, preserving the Romani language—which she considers her mother tongue—is very important.
5. Perceptions of the young generation: Young people in Lunik IX continue to speak Romani and maintain traditions.
6. Family links and cohesion: Renata confirms strong family ties, mutual respect, and cohesion among the Roma.
7. Education: According to Renata, today’s Roma have more opportunities for education, and there are Roma assistants and teachers in Luniku IX.
8. Preservation of traditions: Renata recommends preserving traditions through children’s guidance and maintaining the Roma language and culture.

Interview 6 - Bartolomej (Age: 61. He has lived in Lunik IX for 21 years):

1. Daily life: He works in the municipal office, walks in his free time, and has good relations with four sisters and three brothers whom he visits frequently.
2. Changes in culture and music: He notes both positive and negative aspects of the changes in music from communism to democracy. Music has been modernized, and foreign music influence has grown.
3. Music of today’s youth: Young people now listen to various genres, including Romani music as well as, for example, hip-hop or pop.
4. Causes of changes in music: He links these changes to democracy and openness in all areas, including music, together with a strong influence of foreign culture.
5. Changes in the Roma language: He sees a shift toward Slovak, especially among younger people, with frequent use of Slovak words.
6. Changes in Roma dance: He notes new trends, such as integrating hip-hop elements into traditional čardáš style.
7. Solidarity among the Roma: He confirms traditional mutual help and solidarity have persisted regardless of the political regime.
8. Education in Lunik IX: He sees positively the growth in education, with people now going on to higher education.
9. Preservation of traditions: He suggests maintaining Roma bands and musical activities as a key way of preserving cultural traditions.

Interview 7 - Silvia (Age: 42. She has lived 40 years in Lunik IX):

1. Daily life: Silvia does household chores, loves Roma music, and dances to it. Roma parties have declined, but Roma events with bands are still held, especially during the cultural summer.
2. Changes in Roma customs and culture: Silvia observes changes in music, with new songs and blending of styles, while dancing remains relatively conservative.
3. Roma music: Silvia likes the mix of new elements in Roma music and sees this as a positive change.
4. Importance of the Roma language: For Silvia and her family, the Roma language is of high importance and is considered their mother tongue.
5. Perception of the young generation: Young people in Silvia’s family follow Roma traditions, speak Romani, sing, and dance.
6. Solidarity among Roma: Silvia confirms that Roma still help each other, visit one another, and remain cohesive.
7. Education in the past and today: Silvia notices an increase in educated people today, including younger generations.
8. Children’s interest in education: She notices greater interest in education, whether in secondary school or in other courses.
9. Being Roma means a lot to Silvia: Silvia values music, traditions, and language as central to her identity.
10. Roma dances: Silvia says Roma dances with bands are always present and add a positive dynamic to the community.
11. Preservation of traditions: Silvia recommends teaching children and guiding them to preserve traditions for future generations.

Interview 8 - Ondrej (Age: 58 years. He has lived 42 years in Lunik IX):

1. Daily life: Ondrej describes a normal day including morning routine, shopping, and family activities.
2. Changes in Lunik IX: He has noticed significant changes since his childhood, noting the questionable and not always positive impact of democracy on the mindset of the younger generation.
3. Assessment of the current situation: He considers life today to be rather worse and expresses dissatisfaction with the current regime and politics.
4. Culture and music: He mentions positive aspects of Roma music and traditions and also says he appreciates the influence from abroad, which he finds enriching.
5. Improvements in Lunik IX: The respondent appreciates the efforts of current leadership and the mayor, who have improved living conditions for Roma in areas including housing and social welfare.
6. Preservation of the Roma language: He considers it important, with a notable increase in interest also among non-Roma.
7. Family relations and solidarity: He perceives a decline in respect for elders, but family solidarity and mutual help remain present.
8. Education in Luniku IX: Although children now have more opportunities to be educated, problems with non-completion of schooling remain.
9. Preservation of cultural heritage: He supports existing singing and dancing choirs for young Roma, seeing them as a key way of preserving cultural traditions.

Interview 9 - Eva (Age: 36. She has lived in Lunik IX all her life):

1. Daily life: Eva describes her day, which includes caring for the children, cooking, and listening to music. She often meets with her siblings and family.
2. Changes in Roma customs and culture: Eva perceives change, but traditions still function, and Roma music remains present at public events.
3. Changes caused by the regime: She cannot identify exactly what caused the changes, but she feels the past was better.
4. Improvements in life: Eva does not mention any specific improvements.
5. Importance of the Roma language: She considers it very important.
6. Young people’s perception of Roma dance and music: In her view, young people still dance and sing, but these activities are now more private than public.
7. Roma parties: In the past, they were held more often in the community center; now they are fewer.
8. Solidarity among Roma: She confirms mutual help exists not only among acquaintances but also between Roma who are not personally acquainted.
9. Interest in education: According to Eva, there is not much interest in education. She thinks more people were educated in the past.
10. Importance of Roma for Eva: It means everything to her. She is proud of it. Language, music, and dance are central to her, and she listens to and dances to Roma music every day.
11. Maintaining traditions: She suggests keeping traditions alive and inspiring children to do the same.

Interview 10 - Zita (Age: 39. She has lived 17 years in Lunik IX):

1. Daily life: Zita spends her free time with her children, who are involved in music and dance. They play the Cajón (“Kachón”), and her daughter dances in a Roma dance troupe. She also cleans and cooks in her free time. The family uses Romani as their mother tongue.
2. Changes in Lunik IX: Zita has noticed that Roma culture in Lunik IX has progressed and improved. The music has changed, and young Roma listen to a variety of genres, including modern styles.
3. Importance of preserving Roma language and culture: Zita sees great importance in preserving the Roma language, music, traditions, and culture for her family. She considers it vital for future generations.
4. The youth in Lunik IX: According to Zita, the young generation follows modern musical trends, mixing different styles. Changes in perceptions of Roma customs and traditions are noticeable.
5. Family relations: Zita sees changes in Roma relations. While older Roma remain cohesive, she notes that the situation is about 50/50 with younger generations. However, she still sees examples of solidarity and help among Roma.
6. Education in Lunik IX: Zita observes improved educational opportunities for younger generations due to broader professional opportunities for Roma. She feels today’s children are more interested in education.
7. Preservation of traditions: Zita considers it crucial to preserve Roma traditions and cultural heritage. She believes it should be passed from generation to generation and protected from extinction.

Interview 11 - Miroslav (Age: 37. He has lived in Lunik IX since birth):

1. Daily life: Miroslav usually works 12 hours a day, but if he has time he goes to the gym. In his free time, he listens to Roma music, sings, and dances for himself. He lives with his family and they visit each other regularly.
2. Changes at Luniku IX: According to Miroslav, some things have changed, but he highlights the positive influence of a good mayor and the opportunities available today for the younger generation, such as access to the internet and technology.
3. Cultural events and balls: Miroslav confirmed that in the past there were more cultural opportunities, but younger people today still attend various Roma festivals, concerts, and performances.
4. Changes in mutual relations: Miroslav sees changes in relationships among people in Lunik IX. Current times have altered mutual respect and perceptions of one another.
5. Improvements in 30 years of Slovak independence: Miroslav sees some positive improvements but also negative changes in social relations. The population composition has changed, with more Roma families.
6. Roma language in the family: Romani is the natural family language.
7. The importance of preserving the Roma language and culture: Miroslav considers it important to preserve the Roma language, music, traditions, and culture. In his opinion, Roma traditions are an important part of their lives.
8. The opinion of the young generation: According to Miroslav, young people still observe Roma customs and traditions and actively take part in various cultural events.
9. Family links and relationships: Miroslav believes families in Lunik IX remain cohesive and supportive of one another.
10. Education: Miroslav thinks today’s younger generation has more educational opportunities than in the past due to greater school choice and better study options.
11. Preserving traditions: Miroslav proposes following in the footsteps of ancestors and promoting Roma traditions through modern media such as YouTube videos or TikTok, which he sees as a positive feature of our time.

Interview 12 - Renata (Age: 21. She has lived in Lunik IX all her life):

1. Daily life: Renata is devoted to her young son, visits her family every day, listens to Roma music, and dances.
2. Learning the Roma language: Renata teaches her son not only Slovak but also Romani, considering Romani her mother tongue.
3. Changes in Roma customs and culture: Renata has not noticed significant changes in Roma customs and culture in her family or generally.
4. Importance of the Roma language: For Renata and her family, the Romani language is very important; she considers it her mother tongue.
5. Perception of the young generation: Young people in Renata’s family view Roma culture as normal and speak Romani.
6. Opportunities for dancing and singing: There are entertainment events and festivals in Lunik IX where people can dance and sing, though not very often. Renata would like these events to be held more frequently.
7. Solidarity among Roma: Renata confirms that Roma still help each other and that respect for elders is maintained.
8. Interest in education: Renata sees greater interest in children’s education, with children now having more opportunities, including access to Roma teachers and assistants.
9. Plans for children’s education: Renata plans to guide her children toward education.
10. Preserving traditions: Renata recommends preserving and passing on traditions to future generations, especially by teaching her children the Romani language and culture.

Interview 13 - Alexander (Age: 36. He has lived in Lunik IX since birth):

1. Daily life: Alexander and his wife drink coffee in the morning and listen to Roma music, including Romanian Roma songs.
2. Visiting family: He regularly visits his siblings and friends and has strong family ties.
3. Changes in Lunik IX: Alexander sees major changes in population, with the arrival of new people and also the departure of some others.
4. Changes after returning from abroad: People who have returned from abroad have retained Roma habits and culture.
5. Development of Roma culture: Alexander sees mixed changes in music and dance, and mostly evaluates them negatively.
6. Roma musical groups: According to him, they are not so frequent now, but there is still a choir at the school.
7. Respect for traditions: Alexander would like to see the return of Roma entertainments in the way they were in the past.
8. Musical activity: He cannot play a musical instrument himself, but some of his siblings play outside Lunika IX.
9. Importance of the Roma language: Preserving the Romani language is very important to him and his family.
10. Current state of culture: Young people in Lunik IX preserve the Roma language and traditions, but the music has a different style with elements of foreign music.
11. Preservation of traditions: Alexander considers it important to teach children singing, music, and Roma culture to preserve it for future generations.

Interview 14 - Marcela (Age: 27. She has lived 22 years in Lunik IX):

1. Everyday life: Marcela speaks to her daughter in Slovak and Romani. Her daughter has learned Slovak independently and is currently also learning German. Marcela spends her free time visiting her sister and brother in the village.
2. Changes in Lunik IX: According to Marcela, the music has changed, and for the worse. She prefers older Roma songs and čardáš style (“čardáš”), but sees that today’s Roma generation is influenced by Slovak culture and music.
3. The importance of preserving the Roma language and culture: Marcela considers preserving the Roma language, music, traditions, and culture in general to be important for herself and her family.
4. Youth in Lunik IX: Marcela sees that the younger generation in Lunik IX still tries to preserve Roma customs, traditions, and culture, even though it is influenced by modern trends.
5. Roma music and dance: Marcela’s daughter dances modern styles but has no interest in Roma dances. Marcela attributes this to the influence of modern media and social networks.
6. Education in Lunik IX: Marcela has noticed that children today have more opportunities for education than in the past. In her opinion, education depends on children’s own motivation and interest.
7. Roma bands and ensembles: In Lunik IX there is a Roma band and ensemble "Deviatkakhere čhave," which has participated in a television talent contest.

Discussion

In our research, we asked about changes in Roma cultural life compared with the past and present. We found that the Roma in Lunik IX still preserve their traditions and that Romani remains their mother tongue. In the past, some Roma also knew Hungarian, and thus up to three mother tongues were spoken: Romani, Slovak, and even Hungarian. Younger generations today are more open to modern musical genres but still retain their Roma roots. Slovak Roma music now incorporates elements of new genres not only from Slovakia but also from other countries, such as hip-hop and pop. We observe fusion of the Romani language with Slovak and modern musical styles. Although modern music has influenced Roma culture, interest in traditional musical forms remains strong. In the past, Hungarian Roma music was also predominant, especially at Roma balls. Although many cultural events have changed in character, Roma traditions and music have been strongly preserved by all generations of Roma in Lunik IX. Social life has also evolved, but we can still observe preserved positive Roma customs, such as strong family relationships, respect for elders, and helping one another. Lunik IX has maintained its unique enclosed character, which contributes to preserving traditions and cohesion in the Roma community. Despite the regime change, the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, and the later establishment of the Slovak Republic, traditional values, family relations, music, and dance persist to this day. Lunik IX is a place where Roma continue to maintain their unique culture and social life.

Practical recommendations for practice

• We identified several Roma musicians and dancers in Lunik IX. We suggest capturing this talent and sharing it more broadly with the public.
• We recommend further studies on the cultural and social life in Lunik IX and more active promotion of its rich Roma culture.
• We also propose organizing events that present Roma culture, customs, and traditions. It is important to promote Roma culture in order to preserve traditional Roma customs for future generations.

Benefits

The results of this work make an exceptional contribution, especially by providing valuable information on Roma cultural heritage and the preservation of traditional Roma customs and traditions. These values are often lost in Roma communities in Slovakia or are not passed on to younger generations. During our research, we found increased interest and attention among Roma in Lunik IX toward the field of cultural and social life. This finding highlights the importance of this research and place for the Roma and their desire to protect and preserve their Roma culture and traditions.

Conclusion

In our analysis, we thoroughly examined the culture and social life of the Roma in Lunik IX to understand their development over the last 30 years since the establishment of the Slovak Republic. We examined language, music, dance, and traditional customs and how these influenced residents’ daily life. We found that Roma here still preserve their traditions and continue speaking Romani. Although the younger generation is interested in modern music genres, traditional music remains popular. Lunik IX preserves its unique identity, which contributes to community cohesion and the preservation of traditions. The Lunik IX locality under study is clearly a positive example of how Roma in Slovakia maintain their culture despite contemporary challenges. We strongly believe that by maintaining good traditional Roma customs, traditions, and cultural and social life, Lunik IX will remain a place where a rich Roma culture, customs, the Roma language, traditional family relationships, respect for elders, and all that defines Roma culture and traditions will continue in another 30 years. We even believe that the level of Roma cultural and social life will continue to grow at an increasing rate.

Author: Ing. Peter Sivák, PhD. EUR ING

List of bibliographical references

BARÁNYIOVÁ, Magdaleńa – KERESZTES, Peter: Tradície v rómskych rodinách (Orechov dvor) [elektronický zdroj]. Spôsob prístupu: http://www.prohuman.sk/socialna-praca/tradicie-v-romskych-rodinach-orechov-dvor. In: Prohuman: vedecko-odborný internetový časopis – sociálna práca, psychológia, pedagogika, sociálna politika, zdravotníctvo, oštero vateľstvo, roč. 4 (2014). ISSN 1338-1415.

BODOROVÁ, O. – PULIŠOVÁ, L. 2010. Rómska kultúra v Gemeri – Malohonte. Rimavská Sobota: Gemersko-malohontské múzeum.

FACUNA, J., a LUŽICA, R. Rómska kultúra. Bratislava: Štátny pedagogický ústav, 2017. ISBN 9788081181887.

FICERI, Ondrej. Lunik IX - Zrod rómskeho geta. Košice : Spoločneskovedný ústav CSPV SAV, V.V.I., 2022, 150s. ISBN 978-80-89524-74-7. Dostupné online: https://svusav.sk/storage/uploads/publikacie/pdf/lunik_IX.pdf

GRAUZELOVÁ, T., MARKOVÍČ, F. (2020), Príjmy a životné podmienky v marginalizovaných rómskych komunitách: Vybraté ukazovatele zo zisťovania EU SILC MRK, ÚSVRK SR, https://www.minv.sk/swift_data/source/romovia/atlas_romskych_komunit_2019/EU%20SILC_MRK_web.pdf

MATEJ, V. Východisková situácia v oblasti raného rozvoja detí v marginalizovaných rómskych komunitách a iných sociálne znevýhodnených prostrediach. 2021. Online. Dostupné na: https://odperinky.sk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Vyhodiskova-situacia-v-oblasti-raneho-rozvoja-deti-v-MRK.pdf

MISTRÍK, E. a kol. 2008. Multikultúrna výchova v škole. Ako reagovať na kultúrnu rôznorodosť. Bratislava: Nadácia otvorenej spoločnosti, 2008.

RADIČOVÁ, I. 2002: Rómovia na prahu transformácie. In Vašečka, M. ed. Čačipen pal o Roma. Súhrnná správa o Rómoch na Slovensku. Bratislava (Inštitút pre verejnú́ otázky), 840s.

ROSINSKÝ, R. (2013). Multikultúrne v modernej skole - rómsky jazyk a kultúra. ISBN: 978-80-8094-956-3 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299514323_Multikulturna_vychova_v_zakladnych_skolach/citations