Albanian culture made history today at Oktoberfest in Munich, the world’s largest folk festival. For the first time, traditional Albanian costumes appeared in the famous “Trachten- und Schützenzug” parade.

The parade gathers around 9,000 participants from across Europe in historic and cultural dress. This year, a group of 40 Albanians proudly showcased outfits from all Albanian regions.

The Iliria München Cultural Association, active for 25 years in Bavaria, organized the participation with support from Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Leading the group was the xhubleta, Albania’s iconic 4,000-year-old dress, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

Albania’s Consul General in Bavaria, Gentiana Mburimi, marched under the national flag in a southern Albanian costume. Beside her, Kosovo’s Consul General carried the Kosovan flag, marking a symbolic moment of cultural unity.

The 7-kilometer parade drew over six million visitors in Munich and thousands more through live broadcasts in Germany and abroad.

The debut strengthened Albania’s cultural ties with Europe and highlighted the elegance and depth of its heritage on a global stage.

/a.c/