Eight days and nights of celebration turned Gjirokastër into the national capital of the values of folklore and tradition, artistic and the Albanian living cultural heritage.

The artistic groups participating in the festival were from south to north of Albania, groups from Kosova, North Macedonia, Montenegro, the Arbëresh of Italy and the Albanian Diaspora, showing through the magical stage of the Festival Castle the crowning of a long work under the direction of the Ministry of Culture and the Gjirokastër Municipality.

Artists who performed every evening in the main city’s square, Çerçiz Topulli Square every evening with their performances and kept the party alive until after midnight, in the city itself.

A significant number of young people were part of the folk ensembles and groups that took to the stage of the National Folk Fest. Young women and man from all regions of the country and the Diaspora, displayed their talent of our authentic national culture, transcending the traditions of songs, traditional dances, rituals, folk costumes, etc. from one generation into other.

Local power structures were taking all necessary measures in terms of managing the flow of tourists in the castle and on other tourist spots and museums, which were offering exemplary service.

For more than a week, Gjirokastër was the central touristic and cultural city in the country, open to all age groups, welcoming every art lover, and visitor to the historic castle and everywhere in the city through the many activities and music of the National Folk Festival.

/a.p./