This Saturday: Herdeljezi Balkan Romani Festival at Ashkenaz

[Sarah Travis]

Dear Community,

This Saturday, we’re honored to host the 25th annual Herdeljezi Balkan Romani Festival at Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center! A vibrant, all-day celebration of Balkan Romani music, dance, and culture presented by Voice of Roma and co-presented by Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal.

Rooted in a centuries-old spring tradition, Herdeljezi brings together artists and community members to celebrate renewal through music, movement, and shared cultural experience. 

The day begins in the afternoon with a series of immersive workshops in Romani musical traditions, drumming, singing, accordion, and instrumental melody, led by internationally recognized artists.

In the evening, doors open at 5:30pm with a free panel discussion exploring Romani culture and human rights, followed by a free Romani dance workshop at 7pm; a rare opportunity to learn directly from master culture-bearers. 

At 8pm, the festival culminates in a high-energy concert and dance party featuring the Herdeljezi Festival Band, led by acclaimed clarinetist Ismail Lumanovski, alongside an opening set from local favorites Ensemble Meraklii.

This will be truly a full-spectrum cultural experience grounded in authenticity, community, and the living traditions of Balkan Romani artists. 

Event Details (for full details go to the ticket link and click the "About" section):

• Saturday, May 2

• Workshops begin at 1:00pm (ticketed)

• Free panel: 5:30pm

• Free dance workshop: 7:00pm

• Concert & dance party: 8:00pm

• All ages welcome (kids 12 & under free for the evening show) 

Whether you join us for a workshop, the conversation, or the dance floor - I promise this is one of the most dynamic and meaningful cultural events of the season.

TICKET LINK HERE

We hope to see you there.

Warmly,
Sarah & the Ashkenaz Team