Kathmandu— On August 2, countries in Eastern Europe commemorate the Roma Holocaust, marking the Nazi genocide that claimed the lives of an estimated half million European Roma and Sinti. The date was first officially recognized by Germany decades after the event and has since been adopted as a day of remembrance across much of central and southeastern Europe.

Poland's Commemoration Efforts

In Poland, where an estimated 30,000 Roma reside, August 2 is observed annually since 2011. The ceremony includes visits by parliamentary and governmental representatives to the Auschwitz Memorial. Additionally, a significant day of remembrance takes place in Szczurowa village on July 3, honoring Polish Roma massacred by German troops in 1943.

Czech Republic's Lety Memorial Site

The Czech Republic, home to nearly 250,000 Roma, has designated August 2 as an official day of remembrance since 2015. The most important ceremony is held in Lety, south of Prague, at a former concentration camp site turned memorial. In April 2024, Czech President Petr Pavel and then-Prime Minister Petr Fiala attended the opening ceremony.

Slovakia's Historical Honors

In Slovakia, where around half a million Roma live, August 2 has been observed since 2005. The main commemoration takes place at the Slovak National Uprising museum in Banska Bystrica, honoring both historical remembrance and contemporary issues of Antiziganism.

Romania's Official Recognition

Romania, with around 2 million Roma residents, officially observed August 2 as Roma Holocaust Memorial Day since 2020. The main event is held at the Holocaust Memorial in Bucharest, commemorating the mass deportation of Jews and Roma to Transnistria under dictator Ion Antonescu.

Bulgaria's Commemorative Events

In Bulgaria, where about 700,000 Roma live, August 2 is marked with commemorative events organized by Roma organizations and government representatives. Despite being allied with Nazi Germany, Bulgaria resisted deporting Jews and Roma but still imposed discriminatory laws.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.