Albanian capital is gearing up for the November 28-29 celebrations, with the Municipality of Tirana unveiling a rich calendar of events and cultural activities for the occasion.

Enida Mara, a specialist from the General Directorate for City Promotion tells Albanian News Agency that the Municipality has planned a series of activities in collaboration with individuals, artistic associations, and various local institutions.

The Artisan Fair, which began today at New Bazaar in the Green Market area, is one of the major events. According to Mara, the “Festival of Crafts and Ceramics” is designed to highlight and support the diversity and exceptional skills of local artisans across various craft disciplines. The festival aims to create a lively marketplace where artists, craftsmen, and creators can display their work, engage with the public, and foster appreciation for handmade goods. It will feature a wide range of handmade products, including ceramics, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, metalwork, leather goods, and more. Each artisan will have an exhibition space where visitors can view and purchase their creations, promoting the value of locally made items over mass-produced products.

On the same day, the “Linda” Theater was set to perform at the National Theater, while the concert “Eloquent Echoes” was scheduled at the Catholic Church in the capital. Mara explained that the project aims to present young instrumentalists and professors from the Real Conservatorio Superior de Musica de Madrid, along with the “Siparantum” Choir, one of the top choirs in the region.

The “Red-and-Black Parade” will take place on November 28, starting from Mother Teresa Square, between the Concert Hall and the Presidency. The parade will move along the “Martyrs of the Nation” boulevard, concluding at Skanderbeg Square. This event, which will be held for the second consecutive year, aims to position the capital as a central hub for celebrating Flag Day and Independence Day.

Another significant event, the “White Night” in Tirana, will symbolically close the November 28-29 celebrations, marking the most important dates for Albanians. The “Albania, My Country” symphonic concert is scheduled for November 29 at the “Ferdinand Deda” Hall of RTSH, featuring soundtracks from Albanian films.

Mara added that, depending on weather conditions, the lighting of the Christmas and New Year’s tree is planned for November 30. However, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the ceremony will be rescheduled to December 2. The “We Sing Around the Tree 2025” concert is also set to be a key part of the festive decorations, featuring a choral music concert in Skanderbeg Square during the tree lighting ceremony.

Additionally, two notable exhibitions—“Ancient Hands” and “Karamello by Marco Campardo”—will open on November 30.

Mara emphasized that this project would bring a festive evening with performances by Albania’s leading artists, alongside special international guests. Featured singers include Leonora Poloska, Kamela Islamaj, Redon Makashi, Kejsi Tola, Alma Bektashi, and Vivian Biagioni. International guests will include renowned Italian singer-songwriter Alan Sorrenti and the famous Greek group “Droulias Brothers.” The event will be directed by Eni Çobani and Albert Dumani.

Finally, on December 3, the “First National Festival for People with Disabilities” will be held at the National Theater. This inclusive festival, aimed at young people aged 11-25, will offer an opportunity for both typical and atypical children and youth from across Albania to participate.

/a.p./