Korça has come alive with the sounds of serenades during the third edition of the “Serenights Festival.” The four-day celebration brings one of the city’s best-loved traditions back to its streets, squares and iconic venues.

The festival began last night and will run through September 20. It features a music program across four different venues in Korça. The open-air stages bring together traditional serenades and contemporary performances through music.

The opening night took place at “Bashta Themistokli” and focused especially on the city’s young voices. A number of artists and instrumentalists performed a repertoire that combined Korça serenades with well-known Albanian songs.

Korça Mayor Sotiraq Filo said that the event brings together the city’s musical traditions and local character.

“Korça’s music and traditions came together, bringing the sounds and atmosphere of one of the city’s most distinctive traditions. We continue with three more nights at Mitropolia Square, the Old Bazaar and Mitropolia Street, featuring artists, music and Korça serenades,” Filo said.

Meanwhile, well-known Albanian artists will take the stage during the next three nights. The lineup includes Mihallaq Andrea, Eli Fara and Redon Makashi.

Through the festival, serenades return to the places where the tradition has passed from one generation to another.

Korça serenades began as love songs performed in the city’s narrow streets. Singers traditionally played them on guitars and mandolins beneath the windows of young women as expressions of love.

/a.c/