President of the Republic Bajram Begaj visited Dibër, where he attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his speech, the head of state praised the festival’s role in preserving national identity and strengthening ties between Albanians at home and abroad.
During his visit, Begaj was welcomed by the Mayor of Dibër, Rahim Spahiu, with whom he discussed local development projects and challenges, the promotion of cultural heritage, and the region’s tourism potential.
In his remarks at the festival’s closing ceremony, the President described “Oda Dibrane” as a symbol of unity for Albanians across all Albanian-inhabited regions and throughout the diaspora, emphasizing that culture and tradition transcend national borders.
“Tonight, we are gathered here in Peshkopi. Two cities, two countries, one Dibër. One culture that borders cannot divide. This is one of the most significant achievements of ‘Oda Dibrane’.
It brings together Albanians from Albania with those in Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, the Preševo Valley, the Arbëresh communities, and our diaspora around the world,” Begaj said.
Reflecting on the symbolism of the traditional Albanian oda, a gathering room where people come together, the head of state emphasized that it is a space where folk wisdom, customs, songs, and the values of keeping one’s word and hospitality are preserved and passed down through generations.
In this context, he described “Oda Dibrane” as “one great Albanian oda.”
Begaj also highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to younger generations, stressing that traditions cannot survive solely through events organized on festive occasions but require continuous commitment.
“Cultural heritage is not merely a memory of the past, and folklore cannot be a museum that opens a few times a year, only for celebrations.
A tradition lives on only when it is sung, danced, told, taught, and passed down. A song that is no longer sung is lost. A dance that is no longer taught is lost. A word, a ritual, an instrument, or a craft that is not passed on to the next generation risks remaining only in an archive,” the President stated.
He also praised the contribution of the Albanian diaspora in maintaining ties with their homeland, describing songs, dances, language, and customs as bridges that unite Albanians wherever they live.
In conclusion, Begaj expressed his gratitude to the organizers, artists, researchers, institutions, and audiences who have supported the festival over the past 32 years, expressing his hope that the event will continue to promote Albanian culture and pass traditions on to future generations.
“I hope that ‘Oda Dibrane’ will continue for many years to come, remaining both the oda of Dibër and a great gathering place for Albanian culture, a place where the door remains open and tradition remains part of the future,” Begaj concluded.
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