The president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, has highlighted the role of the Gypsy people as a fundamental piece in the Andalusian identity during the institutional act held this April 8 in Seville on the occasion of International Gypsy People's Day. Moreno highlighted that this community is part of the “essence” of Andalusia, underlining its historical contribution in areas such as culture, art and the social character of the region.
During his speech, the Andalusian president conveyed the “embrace” of all society to the Roma community, which he defined as “one of the most beautiful, sincere, and grand expressions of what our land is”. In this regard, he highlighted the “art, depth, and talent” that it brings to a “more diverse and rich” Andalusia, also asserting the pride that the autonomous community “shows itself today to the world with Roma traits, with joy, light, and beauty”.
Moreno also recalled that more than one million Roma people reside in Spain, of whom approximately 40%, more than 400,000, live in Andalusia. In his opinion, these data reflect the real weight of this community not only in demographic terms, but also cultural ones. “Roma people are much more than a small percentage of our population: they are a very high percentage of our culture or our character,” he stated.
Likewise, the president referred to the awarding of the Medal of Andalusia to the Roma people in 2025, highlighting that it represented an institutional recognition and a firm commitment to continue advancing in equality. In this context, he stressed that Andalusians know well what it means to be the object of prejudice or stereotypes, which reinforces empathy towards those who still face barriers due to their origin.
On a social level, Moreno emphasized the need to continue working in areas such as education, housing, and employment, where the Roma population starts from a situation of disadvantage. The Andalusian Government, he assured, maintains the commitment to reduce these gaps and foster real and effective inclusion, “something absolutely fundamental for the future of Andalusia”.
