National Cultural Association
About Us
Since 1990, a point of reference for the promotion and dissemination of Romani culture in Italy and around the world.
Our Origins
Our History
The National Cultural Association Thèm Romanò was founded in 1990 in Lanciano (CH) by a group of Roma and Sinti who felt the need to create a space dedicated to their own culture and identity.
The association operates at national and international level, building bridges between Romanès communities and the majority society, promoting mutual understanding and respect for everyone's rights.
Year of Foundation
Lanciano (CH), Italy
Years of Activity
Continuous commitment to Romani culture
European Network
International federations and partnerships
Our Commitment
Our Mission
Promoting Romani Culture
Identifying, promoting and spreading Romani culture at national and international level, so that non-Roma may better understand and appreciate the culture of this people.
Awareness and Identity
So that the Roma themselves may become aware of their thousand-year culture and break the centuries-old chain of marginalization, integrating with dignity into the broader society.
"So that the Roma themselves may become aware of their thousand-year culture and break the centuries-old chain of marginalization."
This is the heart of our commitment: building a future in which Romani culture is known, respected and experienced positively.
President
Alexian Santino Spinelli
An internationally renowned musician, composer and writer. He holds two degrees: one in Modern Foreign Languages and Literatures and another in Musicology, both earned at the University of Bologna. He currently teaches Romani Language and Culture at the University of Rome La Sapienza. He is an Honorary Citizen of Laterza (Taranto) and Ambassador of Peace for the Chair of Peace established in Assisi in 2022.
Professor of the Chair of Romani Language and Culture at the University of Rome La Sapienza.
Our Leader
The President
Alexian Santino Spinelli is a figure of excellence in the Romanès cultural landscape and beyond. His work spans music, poetry, university teaching and cultural activism.
As a musician he has brought Romanès music to stages across Europe, while as an academic he has laid the foundations for the systematic study of Romani language and culture in Italian universities.
Rome
Università La Sapienza
Network
Federations and Recognitions
Affiliated with
- Rromani Baxt (France)
- ENAR — European Network Against Racism
- Union Romani (Spain)
- East Anglian Gypsy Council (England)
Italian headquarters of
- IRU — International Romani Union
- ERTF — European Roma and Travellers Forum