The municipality of San Demetrio Corone in Italy, known as Shën Mitri among the Arbëresh community, will host the National Arbëresh Poetry Contest.

The Center for Arbëresh Studies and Publications announced that the event aims to promote and honor the Arbëresh language and culture. The contest, first launched in 1982 by lawyer Giuseppe D’Amico, is open to all poets who write in Arbëresh. Participants can submit their works until October 14, 2025. Each entry must also include an Italian translation for the jury.

Each poet may submit up to three poems, which will be performed on stage and evaluated by two juries: a technical panel and a group of 40 poetry enthusiasts selected by the mayor of Shën Mitri.

Located in the Calabria region, San Demetrio Corone is one of the main centers of the Arbëresh community in Italy. The town has preserved its language, customs, religious rites, and ethnic identity for centuries. It is also home to the historic College of Saint Adrian, founded in 1794, a key cultural and religious institution dedicated to preserving the Byzantine rite and Arbëresh traditions.

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