The cultural weekend in Gjirokastër featured the “Vlach Culture” Festival, which promotes the folklore and traditions of the Aromanian community in Albania.
Organized in the village of Andon Poçi, the festival brought together artists, folk groups, and ensembles from Gjirokastër, Korça, Vlora, and other regions.
The event also included the opening of art exhibitions, a fair showcasing traditional handmade crafts, and the traditional cuisine of the area.
“What we are doing today is a celebration for all Vlachs living both in Albania and around the world. We have tried to preserve our language, our folklore, our customs, and our traditional clothing, and we strive to do this every year,” said folk artist Lefter Purica.
“It is one of the greatest things for Albanian folklore. We also have something very special in the region and beyond — our religious harmony is among the best. It is truly difficult to preserve traditions because of the migration of the younger generation, but nevertheless we have tried to preserve them with dedication up to the present day,” said another folk artist, Hamdi Tafa.
Artist Liri Musaku spoke about her community: “We are with the Vlach group from Kavaja, and we try to successfully present every part of our tradition. We do our best so that the younger people here will continue to follow our traditions.”
Throughout the weekend, artistic activities are being organized in Gjirokastër to promote cultural traditions, attracting both local and foreign tourists.
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