The entities of Barcelona City Council’s Municipal Council for Roma People offer their condolences for the sad loss of this inspiring man.

Rafael Perona, a man with a long and renowned history of active commitment to the defence of the Roma people’s rights and cultural heritage, stood out as a leader and model of our community for over thirty years.

He was president of the La Mina Cultural Centre, founder of the La Mina Flamenco Singing Festival and promoter of numerous projects that always kept him at the forefront of civic activism.

He was a young man with an old man’s soul, a man of great wisdom, loyal to the Romani traditions and customs but with a privileged mind, always at the forefront in terms of analyses and considerations, a good host and an ambassador of his people, a loyal friend, a noble and respectful Romani man.

All these attributes made Rafael someone you could always go to for the best possible advice.

We would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to his entire family, his siblings and their children, and especially to his widow and children. We would also like to express our gratitude for having had the opportunity to be near him and enjoyed so many good times with him.

Rest in peace.

Photo: BTV