The second edition of Arbëria Digital Fest will take place in the Arbëresh villages of Carfizzi, Pallagorio and San Nicola dell’Alto in southern Italy, aiming to transform Arbëresh cultural heritage into a driver of local development.
The festival will be held from October 23 to 25, 2026, under the motto “Preserve, Attract, Create.” Over three days, participants will bring together culture, tourism, innovation, digital communication and international cooperation through panels, workshops, podcasts, artistic performances and community events.
Meanwhile, the Muzé – Spazio Arbëria center in Pallagorio will serve as one of the festival’s main venues, while organizers will also host activities in Carfizzi and San Nicola dell’Alto. They aim to present these communities not as isolated settlements, but as parts of a connected territory with a shared identity and vision.
The program will focus on three key areas: territorial marketing and tourism, relations with Albania and Kosovo, and innovation. Organizers will explore how the Arbëresh language, traditions, collective memory, gastronomy, art and landscapes can support new projects, tourism experiences, partnerships and local economic growth.
In addition, this year’s edition will introduce “OPEN ARBËRIA,” a public art project created by Arbëresh artist Michele Giudicissi. Through the initiative, residents will transform house doors into artistic and narrative spaces displaying symbols, words, images and memories from the community. The project will also include workshops and activities for children and young people.
The festival will further expand its reach through the “Arbëria Digital Fest OFF” program, which will bring visits, workshops, music, art, gastronomy and cultural activities directly into local communities.
For younger audiences, organizers have planned “Arbëresh Remix,” an evening event that will blend traditional Arbëresh songs with contemporary music through performances by Calabrian DJ Giovanni Salerno. Musicians Enzo Iovine and Pietro Curci, along with storyteller Rocco Marco Moccia, will also take part in the program.
Another highlight will be “POP ARBËRESH,” a podcast project that collects stories and voices from Arbëresh communities. During the festival, producers will record a special episode featuring participants and guests from the three-day event, creating a bridge between generations, territories and experiences.
Ultimately, organizers say the festival’s ambition extends beyond the three days of activities. They hope the event will generate lasting partnerships, new projects and stronger connections among Arbëresh communities, Albania, Kosovo, the Balkans and the wider diaspora throughout the year.
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