Manuel Heredia, a key figure in Gypsy activism in Sabadell, has decided to step aside after 40 years at the helm of the Sabadell Gypsy Association. Despite retiring from the presidency, he has pledged to remain active as a mediator in family conflicts, a role he calls «Patibale Manusa», leveraging his reputation and experience within the Gypsy community.
Originally from Loja (Granada), Heredia settled in Sabadell, specifically in the Torre-romeu neighborhood, where he began his career in a blinds factory and as a transporter. Later, he worked for the Generalitat de Catalunya coordinating the Comprehensive Plan for the Gypsy People, dedicating his life to breaking stigmas and combating ignorance.
“"The problem is ignorance, because they judge us. There is housing and work for everyone, except for Gypsies. The image that remains is that we are thieves, and that is not the case. They have even stopped me on the train, just because of my skin color."
Heredia was also a co-founder of the Unión Romaní de Barcelona and has participated in significant events, such as the resettlement of Gypsy families with president Jordi Pujol and visits to the European Parliament in Brussels. He laments that Gypsy culture, with its own language and traditions like flamenco, is often only highlighted for its negative aspects.
A defender of Gypsy values, Manuel Heredia denies that his culture is sexist, emphasizing the fundamental role of women in family management. His wife, Maite, is not Gypsy, a fact that, despite initial distrust, has not caused any problems in their relationship.
“"We do not ask for privileges, we ask for the same rights. We are Gypsies, yes, but we are also Spanish, Catalan, and from Sabadell. We want our people, our flag, and the creation of a binding Cultural Statute to be recognized so that we can self-manage our projects."
