TIRANA, July 28 /ATA/ Minister of State and political leader of the Socialist Party for the Diaspora Taulant Balla participated in the “Fraternity” Festival, which took place in Puglia region in Italy.
The festival was officially opened in the presence of the minister and representatives of local Italian institutions, highlighting the role of Arbëresh culture as a bridge between the two peoples.
At this event, the three Arbëresh municipalities, Casalvecchio, Chieuti and San Marzano di San Giuseppe, were officially declared cultural protected areas of Puglia, in a symbolic act that emphasizes the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of Arbëresh communities.
Minister Balla praised the role of the Arbëresh as, “The finest example of preserving our national language and traditions for more than five centuries”.
He emphasized that the Arbëreshi people and the Albanian diaspora in Italy constitute “a strong bridge between our two peoples”, underlining the importance of involvement of the diaspora in preserving national identity.
The “Fraternity” festival took place on July 26 and 27 in Casalvecchio di Puglia, in its eighth edition, bringing together over 100 artists, singers and dancers from the Arbëresh communities of Italy and from Albania, especially from Vlora.
For two days, participants took part in cultural, artistic and gastronomic activities, with concerts, discussions, exhibitions and shared lunches and dinners in the squares. /j.p/p.s./
