The sun was shining high and slowly people in gypsy costumes started to appear at Wenceslas Square early yesterday morning. People were getting their picture taken with the bands of gypsies, stilt walkers, and musicians, as people with badges directed them on where to stand and when to perform. It was the beginning of the World Roma Festival or Khamoro, which celebrates Romani culture and its music. This festival is held every spring in May and this parade is only a part of it. The parade was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the music and the dancers, and watching the stilt-walkers walk over people. From the troupe from India playing its brass instruments with its ever-smiling dancer in bright red and green colors, to the flute, accordion, and saxophone-playing band, to many other different groups of belly dancers, there was much to see and hear. Horses and a carriage, carrying a gypsy Romani singer, led this parade from Wenceslas Square to Old Town Square (which is located in downtown Prague). The music livened up the streets as people stopped what they were doing to see this colorful ensemble go by and either enjoy it or take pictures. I loved the atmosphere that was created of cheer and life. Everyone was enjoying the entertainment and having fun, and the backdrop of Prague’s beautiful buildings created a scene that can only be described as one of the best moments of my life.
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