For the fourth consecutive year, the Porto Palermo Festival returns to the fortress of Ali Pasha, a cultural event spearheaded by the renowned artist Olen Cesari. Over 12 artistic nights, from August 1 to 18, music will take center stage in this gem of the Albanian Riviera.

“This is one of the challenges I set for myself. It’s the fourth year, and I hope I have the strength and will to continue as long as possible. We are doing our best to promote Albania worldwide. I see myself as an ambassador not only for music but also for tourism. What we are doing in Porto Palermo is attracting people from all over the world, boats from afar, and they spread the word, share their experiences with friends. Five years ago, when we came here, there was not a single boat; now Porto Palermo is filled with them. We invite famous people to sing, dance, and act. Last year, people came from Corfu to see the Porto Palermo Festival concert, and Italians flew in specifically to attend the concert. We even had guests from Australia,”Olen Cesari said.

This year, both Albanian and international artists, some of the best from the global and Albanian stages, will perform in Porto Palermo on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from August 1 to 18.

“This year, I’m lucky to have some gems. We start with two queens, the giant artists Eda Zari and Elina Duni. On August 2, we have Marsela Çibukaj, whom I consider the new Vaçe Zela of Albania. On August 4, we will have our international diva Inva Mula with a trio that includes Genc Tukiçi and myself. We are taking this trio and concert around the world, and this time we’ll bring it to Porto Palermo. Next, we have the ‘king of the night’ Dren Abazi, and Gaz Paja will come with his friends. My concert is on August 17; for the first time, it will not be Olen doing semi-classical music but Olen doing electronic music. I’m very excited to explore this world in the Fortress of Ali Pasha,” added Cesari.

But who are the spectators of the Porto Palermo Festival? “My audience is a complete mix. At the last concert, I saw a 3-year-old child, and I went offstage to kiss them, while in another corner, a 93-year-old lady was dancing in her chair. I can’t say what the age group of ‘Olen’ is. The age group of Olen is the people who enjoy beautiful music,” said violinist Cesari.

Preparations for the grand festival began this past Saturday, with Cesari and a group of volunteers initiating a special awareness campaign for environmental protection, “Protecting Our Sea,” focusing on cleaning up Porto Palermo and Himara. Many foreign tourists joined the initiative.

12 Magical Nights at Ali Pasha’s Fortress

– August 1: Eda Zari, Elina Duni, and Rob Luft
– August 2: Marsela Çibukaj
– August 3: Mathew Marston
– August 4: Inva Mula
– August 8: Carlos Paz (Latin Night)
– August 9: Manuela Villa
– August 10: Dren Abazi
– August 11: Lavina Mancusi
– August 15: Blue Bird Band
– August 16: Gaz Pajë & Friends
– August 17: Olen Cesari Electro House Music
– August 18: Ivan el Sonero La Noche Cubana

/k.s/