The first World Roma Congress, one of the greatest events in the history of the Roma people, was held in London from 8 to 12 April 1971.
It was at that congress that the decision on the Roma flag, anthem, and official language was adopted.
The old Roma song Gyelem, Gyelem was chosen for the anthem.
The flag is divided horizontally into an upper half symbolizing the sky, a green lower half symbolizing the earth. In the middle is a red wheel representing Roma migration and travel.
Romani chib was chosen as the official language, and the name Rom (in Romani man) was accepted.
In 1990, the Fourth World Roma Congress was held, at which it was decided to choose the date of the first congress for World Roma Day.
