A Joyous Celebration of Culture at hAmaro Fest 2025 – Two Days of Music, Dance & Community Spirit

April 4th and 5th, Austin, Tx ~ The much-awaited HAmaro Fest 2025 brought two unforgettable days of vibrant performances, cultural fusion, and heartfelt community connections right to the heart of Austin. Held at the First English Lutheran Church, this annual celebration of Romani music, dance, and heritage once again delivered on its promise of joy, diversity, and unity.

Day 1 – Friday, April 4th: An Electrifying Evening of Romani Soul

The festival began with a buzz of excitement at the VIP Meet & Greet at 6 PM, where attendees had a chance to connect with artists and organizers. As the doors opened at 6:30, guests poured into the venue, ready for an evening of cross-cultural magic.

Flamenco India (7–8 PM)

Opening the night was the innovative Flamenco India, a musical journey crafted by Oliver Rajamani, exploring the Indian roots of Spanish Flamenco. Joined by acclaimed Kathak dancer Labonee Mohanta and dynamic fusion dancer Reetu Jain, the performance mesmerized with its rhythmic storytelling and soulful melodies. It was a breathtaking tribute to shared histories and creative evolution.

Jeronimo Maya (8:15–9:15 PM)

Next up, the legendary Jeronimo Maya took the stage with a powerful solo flamenco guitar concert. Every note reflected the deep roots of his Romani heritage, captivating the audience with the richness and depth of traditional flamenco. A true master of the art, Maya's performance was both intimate and electrifying.

Via Romen & Erika Lakatos (9:30 PM onward)

The evening reached a joyous high with Via Romen, led by virtuoso Vadim Kolpakov, and featuring an all-star ensemble: singer Alina Nazarevich, violinist Valeriy Glava, dancer Alla Rada, and the vibrant Erika Lakatos. Their high-energy performance of Eastern European Romani music had everyone on their feet. Lively rhythms, rich vocals, and bold dance moves invited the crowd to quite literally dance the night away.

Day 2 – Saturday, April 5th: A Free Outdoor Celebration for All Ages

While Day 1 showcased indoor performances by internationally acclaimed artists, Day 2 of HAmaro Fest transformed into a free, outdoor community festival—a colorful gathering of families, friends, and festival-goers of all ages.

Despite an unexpected chill in the weather, spirits remained high as attendees bundled up and fully embraced the festivities.

Daytime Highlights Included:

• Open-air dance performances bursting with color, movement, and joy

• Live music that echoed through the streets and invited spontaneous dancing

• Puppet-making and family-friendly crafts, adding playful creativity to the mix

• A welcoming, festival-like atmosphere that celebrated Romani culture in all its vibrancy

A Festival That Brought Hearts and Cultures Together

From the powerful, soul-stirring performances of Day 1 to the vibrant, inclusive celebration of Day 2, HAmaro Fest 2025 was a stunning tribute to Romani traditions and their global influences.

It was more than an event—it was a cultural embrace. In music, movement, and shared joy, HAmaro Fest reminded everyone that even in chilly weather, community spirit can keep us warm.