TIRANA, December 16 – The sound of the Albanian ‘lahuta’ echoed through the Vatican during an event held in honor of Saint Mother Teresa.

Organizers presented the traditional instrument in the Vatican’s ceremonial setting. The performance brought an element of Albanian cultural heritage to the spiritual center of Catholicism.

Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi described the moment as historic. He said the epic sound of the ‘lahuta’ reached a European audience at the heart of the Vatican and reflected the continuity of Albanian heritage.

Earlier, institutions recognized the ‘lahuta’ as one of the oldest instruments in Europe. Authorities also included it on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.

In addition, the art of making, playing, and singing with the ‘lahuta’ gained international recognition as a cultural treasure. This tradition developed over centuries in northern Albanian regions, including Malësia e Madhe, Dukagjini, Malësia e Gjakovës, Rugova, Drenica, Plava, and Gucia.

Through the “Epics of the Kreshniks” and northern Albanian ballads, lahuta performers expressed values of bravery, resistance, honor, loyalty, and hospitality.

/a.p./