Roma baron Artur Cerari will be laid to rest on July 18
Preparations are underway in Soroca for the funeral of the Roma baron, Artur Cerari, scheduled for Saturday, July 18. At the entrance to the cemetery, a tomb made of green marble imported from Italy and adorned with golden pillars has been erected. Meanwhile, on the 11th day of the vigil, Roma from across the country are gathering to pay their respects to the traditional leader of the community.
The tomb for Artur Cerari's final resting place is currently being prepared at the cemetery, with marble slabs being imported from Italy.
"It's a special tomb made of green Italian marble, just as the baron requested during his lifetime. He often expressed his wishes, stating that when his time came, he wanted something like this. I never imagined the baron would pass away so soon, especially since it has been less than six months since the baroness died. We will need to remove her from the tomb, lift the slab, and place her next to the baron so that they can be together forever," said Robert Cerari in an interview with Moldova 1.
The coffin and the clothing for the Roma baron’s burial were imported from Italy.
Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing at the family home.
Relatives and close friends greet those who have come to offer their condolences every day, as they finalise the details of the ceremony.
"All the brothers, sisters, and cousins came—though not everyone could make it—those with whom we lived and grew up together still came. We were like brothers," said Eduard Cerari, the brother of the Roma baron.
A museum is set to open in the house where Artur Cerari lived.
"This house will house both a museum and a kitchen featuring gypsy dishes, which will be called 'La Baron.' In memory of my father, I want to welcome people, ambassadors, and diplomats to come and experience what the baron had to offer. I don't want the world to forget about him," said his daughter, Ana Cerari.
"We are here with our thoughts, souls, and hearts because he holds great value for us. I don't believe that the future will see another representative as memorable as Artur Cerari was for the Republic of Moldova. We hope that the future baron will embody the same respect, love, kindness, and gentle spirit that Artur Cerari had," declared Marin Alla, president of the Union of Young Roma of the Republic of Moldova.
Artur Cerari served as the traditional leader of the Roma community since 1996. He passed away from a heart attack on July 4 at the age of 65.
In accordance with the regulations, the community will gather to elect a new Roma baron 40 days after the funeral.
