For the first time in Albania, the Mexican Cultural Week will be organized. From November 13 to 16, this week will be filled with artistic and cultural events. It will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Albania and Mexico.

The program for the Mexican Cultural Week will begin on November 13 at the COD facilities in the Prime Minister’s Office, with the event “Diplomacy and Culture.” The Ambassador of Mexico to Italy, Carlos Eugenio Garcia de Alba Zepeda, will be a participant. He will also hold a conference on the topic “Mexican Diaspora, Public Policies,” as well as sign a Memorandum of Understanding between AIIS and COMEXI.

On November 13, at the foyer of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana, the alebrije sculpture “The Monarch Child” will be inaugurated. This artwork represents an Albanian goat and a migratory monarch butterfly, symbolizing the friendship between the two countries through two elements of their fauna.

The wood carvings from Oaxaca, better known as alebrijes, have become one of the most recognized art forms in Mexico. Pedro Linares, a skilled figurative artist and friend of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, was the first to create alebrijes, which were products of his imagination. He dreamt of fantastical, colorful animals in his dreams, all of which continuously repeated one word: “alebrije.” Since then, Pedro and his family began creating creatures with intricate designs and patterns.

On November 14, at the Marubi Film Academy in Tirana, one of Europe’s most influential directors, Jesus Garcés Lambert, will hold a masterclass titled “Between Fiction and Documentary, Find Your Own Voice.”

For those who want to taste Mexican food and drinks, on November 14, a tasting event of Mexican dishes and tequilas will be organized. From comfort food (tamales) or street food (tacos) to chile relleno, a festive dish, these can be enjoyed at 20:00 at the Destil Creative Hub in Tirana.

The Mexican Cultural Week will conclude on November 16 with a concert at the Orthodox Cathedral, where artist Israel Varela will present pieces from his 10th album, “Frida en Silencio.”

/a.c/