05. 02. 2026
PRAGUE, 9 December 2025 - The gala evening associated with the Roma Spirit Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 10th. The awards will recognize organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the position of domestic Roma and have contributed to the development of Roma culture and understanding in society. Roma Spirit returns to Prague after an almost decade-long hiatus. This year's event is organized by the non-governmental organization Romodrom, and people will be able to watch it on Czech Television.
"In seven competitive categories, we will honor exceptional individuals, non-governmental organizations, institutions, journalists, companies, and prominent figures from the cultural sphere who not only improve the lives of Roma and entire communities but also set an example and help overcome prejudices. Roma Spirit is not just about awards, but mainly about celebrating the fact that Roma culture, with its rich history, art, and traditions, is part of Czech and European values and brings valuable inspirations to society," said Filip Špinka, the main coordinator of the event. He also invites the public to watch the evening. It will be broadcast on ČT 2 on Wednesday, December 10th, starting at half past nine in the evening. The gala evening will be attended by a number of public figures from both Roma and the majority. In addition to announcing the winners and presenting awards, there will be performances by artists such as Jan Bendig, Bobby Blaze, Vojta Drahokoupil, and Simona Šenkiová, with Richard Samko and Lejla Abbasová as hosts. The 2025 Roma Spirit is under the patronage of the government's Human Rights Commissioner Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková and the Commissioner for Romani Minority Affairs Lucie Fuková. The broad public has also influenced who will come to the stage at the Libeň theater Pod Palmovkou for the awards on Wednesday. Over the course of about a month, the public submitted over 170 nominations for individuals and organizations. The jury, composed of prominent figures from public life, the non-profit and educational sectors, media, culture, and the Roma community, will determine the finalists and winners of Roma Spirit from this wide selection. In the interest of impartiality, the organizer Romodrom excluded itself and its employees from the possibility of receiving awards.""We want to acknowledge the often underappreciated contributions of those who are not afraid of challenges and bring about positive changes for everyone. Whether it's about Roma or people from the majority, whether they are involved in public life or working behind the scenes in their communities, Roma Spirit has brought together countless inspiring stories. Together, they create a unique space where we can meet, learn from each other, and create together. We are immensely grateful for that," added Špinka. The idea of awarding public recognition to individuals, organizations, and institutions for their contribution to intercultural dialogue and the Roma community originated in Slovakia in 2009 and is now returning to the Czech Republic after almost ten years. The first domestic edition was initiated by former Minister for Human Rights Michael Kocáb and was under the patronage of Václav Havel. Roma Spirit CZ fell silent in 2016 until it was revived by Romodrom as part of its cultural activities, including the long-running singing competition Miri Giľi. Romodrom, a non-profit organization, has been helping people in difficult life situations or social exclusion for almost a quarter of a century. They provide professional social services, debt counseling, support for families with children, programs for individuals in prison and their families, and projects to help vulnerable households access decent housing. Additionally, they provide assistance to foreigners, including Ukrainian Roma, and engage in humanitarian-integration work directly in Mukachevo, Ukraine."
Categories and finalists of Roma Spirit 2025:
Non-profit organization
• ARA ART
• Awen Amenca
• IQ Roma servis
Company and employer
• Albatros publishing house
• Amaro drom project
• Faculty of Philosophy, Charles University, Romani Studies seminar
Community, city
• Deputy Mayor Ivan Langr
• Prague 7 Municipal Office – Kateřina Laskovská
• Kolín city – Zdeňka Dušková
Personality
• Marian Dansco
• Dominik Lakatoš
• Renata Berkyová
Media
• Michaela Kroková
• Romea, o.p.s.
• World Radio
Culture
• Bobby Blaze
• Marsell Bendig
• Irena Eliášová
Act of the year
• Emil Sivák / BFC Liberec
• Jan Cverčko
• Eva Lehotská
