This year, the Office of the President of the Republic organized the event titled *“The Woman, the Soul of Our Ethnographic Treasures”*, dedicated to traditional Albanian attire.

The event, held under the patronage of the First Lady of the Republic, Armanda Begaj, aimed to promote Albanian folk clothing, as well as to honor and preserve the country’s ethnographic heritage.

Among the participants were distinguished women who have contributed to Albanian cultural life, ambassadors and their spouses serving in Albania, and notable figures from various fields of the arts.

Traditional garments from all regions of Albania, as well as from Kosovo and the Arbëresh communities, showcased their diversity and originality, accompanied by elements of cultural and artistic significance.

These garments were presented as a testament to the early development of artistic craftsmanship, including weaving, embroidery, and needlework, reflecting the rich history of Albania through the centuries.

“We Albanians have inherited, across generations, a wealth of meticulously crafted traditional attire made by women and girls. Throughout different stages of historical, social, and cultural development, these garments have shaped our national identity,” stated Armanda Begaj during her opening remarks.

The First Lady particularly praised the women who undertake the task of reproducing traditional clothing, preserving their originality with great care. She emphasized that everyone has a role in safeguarding and passing down cultural heritage.

“Today, we may no longer weave or embroider as much as we once did, nor do we send off our daughters with the traditional dowry of our ancestors. However, we have the opportunity to preserve, enrich, and disseminate our material and spiritual culture, our Albanian ethnography, and pass it on to future generations. Let us draw upon our ancient and rich history to remain proud at all times of who we are, proud of the Albanian nation,” Begaj remarked.

Following a fashion show featuring traditional attire accompanied by regional dances, attendees shared their impressions, opinions, and experiences related to ethnography and the preservation of Albanian cultural heritage.

/a.c/