On September 6, 1970, the State Ensemble of Songs and Dances departed for France to participate in the International Dijon Festival, where Albanian artists made a dignified representation. The General Directorate of Archives recalls that the 30-member Albanian troupe won the festival’s “Golden Necklace” after a 15-minute competition, despite it being their first time performing in a Western country.

The finest voices of the Albanian stage performed under the direction of Tish Daija. Among the dances showcased were “Vallja e Tropojës,” “Në garë,” and “Festë të madhe ka sot Shqipëria,” with artistic guidance from Panajot Kanaçi. The event resonated in the French press of the time, with one outlet writing: “There are 2 million Albanians, but also 2 million eagles.”

The festival, also known as the “Autumn Festival” or “grape harvest festival,” was a cultural promotion of the French state, drawing participants from around the world. The folkloric troupes competed over three consecutive days.

This reflects a significant moment for Albanian cultural diplomacy during the Cold War era, symbolizing a successful Western debut for the ensemble amidst global folkloric traditions.

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