Director of Culture in the municipality of Shkodra, Sara Smaja told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency that this year came completely differently not only for the citizens of Shkodra, but also for the numerous tourists.

Smaja stated that the calendar of activities for the festive period carries concert of several well-known artists such as Arilena Ara, Noizy, Elvana Gjata, Sidrit Bejleri performing under a fireworks spectacle.

She states that the novelty of this year is the extension of the festive square to several main spots of the city. “There is a space for children near Shkodra municipality garden with various games, while this year the youth has its own lodge near the “Kolë Idromeno” pedestrian area. They have managed it and serve products produced by themselves for everyone, the profits of which will go for charity to the people in need. The young people with “Act4Shkodra” are this year’s spirit of Shkodra youth not only in their lodge, but in the entire square, with animations, but also volunteering in the service of children and all those in need near the festive squares.”

Further on, she added that this is the third year that Shkodra municipality brings the end-of-year atmosphere to another dimension. “The results have been extraordinary, doubling the number of tourists. Today, it is difficult to find free places to book for the New Year in Shkodra’s accommodation structures. Activities have been intertwined every night with the festive square, but also in the “Migjeni” theater with premieres that have brought a variety of humor and the song “I sent you the postcard”, as well as the concert of the Symphony Orchestra with the internationally renowned soprano Marigona Qerkezi as a guest.”

Other cultural institutions, such as Shkodra Historical Museum and Art Gallery, have prepared special programs for this period, offering theater performances, concerts, exhibitions and artistic activities that reflect the city’s heritage and contemporary creativity.

Beyond the artistic calendar for the end of the year, the domestic and foreign tourists have increased interest in the historical and natural attractions of Shkodra region, such as Rozafa Castle, Lake Shkodra, the Buna River, Thethi, Valbona, Dry Mount, and Veleçik Mount, which remain part of the list of attractions even during the winter. /e.i/r.e/p.s./

The giant fir tree in the city center, colorful lights and special decorations have added a festive atmosphere to Përmet for this time of the year in the threshold of Christmas and New Year.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the festive atmosphere in the city, where many citizens enjoyed the moment of lighting the tree lights and the concert of the children’s artistic group.

The festive atmosphere of numerous decorations and lights will accompany the entire city of Përmet this month, attracting the attention of citizens, but also various visitors. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

The squares and streets of the cities are decorated with Christmas trees and twinkling lights.

During this last month of the year, there are planned numerous festive events in the main squares of the cities, with live music and various performances, which will culminate on the night of the new year on December 31.

Throughout December, there will also be fairs advertising organic local products aiming to give a boost to the local economy.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today in the social media photos of the holiday decorations in the city of Berat.

The City of One-On-Top-Of-One-Windows has created a magical atmosphere, with the lighting up of the historical center and the bridges over the Osumi River.

The colorful lights reflecting on the water add to the city becoming a favorite destination for visitors.

Many local and foreign tourists have chosen to spend December in the historic city of Berat.

The lighted gift boxes, Santa Claus carriage, the giant bear and the tunnel of lights have become the most favorite attractions for tourists to be photographed. /gj.m/r.e/a.f/p.s./

From the traditional trousseau to other handicrafts, every object has a special story and enriches the close connection between generations.

Today, Mayor of Korça Sotiraq Filo posted in the social media a view of the exhibition where there have been visitors even in these last hours of 2024.

“Korça carries in itself precious cultural treasure, handmade handicrafts, a skill that is passed from generation to generation, preserving memory, spirit and identity,” wrote Sotiraq Filo.

Meanwhile, last evening, the pedestrian zone of Korça had a lot of energy and emotion, while the famous singer Sardi Strugaj brought an unforgettable performance and a vibrant atmosphere. Hundreds of visitors have arrived these days from every corner of Albania but also beyond to celebrate the New Year in this city. /a.f/p.s./

Rama resumed his Diaspora tour with a meeting the Albanian community in New York who welcomed him warmly amid national symbols, wearing caps and waving dozens of Albanian flags.

The images shared by the chief socialist Rama show the hall filled with citizens holding the Albanian and American flags, while others are seen in traditional Albanian costumes under the sounds of Albanian music.

Rama dedicated his speech to what makes headlines in Tirana, the developments with the new justice system. According to the prime minister, the new justice has put an end to impunity, reaching politicians who were at the top of the state hierarchy, but without mentioning names.

Also, he spoke about the vote of the Diaspora and the country’s integration into the EU. Rama emphasized that the progress made by Albania towards membership in the European Union is still in danger, therefore he asked the Albanians from the USA to unite and contribute through their vote, to push our country forward even in the last kilometer towards full membership in the European Union.

“Albania has made extraordinary progress, but it is still progress in danger if we all do not push forward together in this last kilometer to make it a member of the European Union,” said PM Rama.

The head of the government, at the same time the head of the Socialist Party, added that the Albanians of the Diaspora must become guarantors that our country will not return backwards later.

“One of the reasons for your success, as far as I understand, is that the Albanians here have helped the Albanians; those who have come earlier have helped those who have come in the States later, and that is why the Diaspora today, that is why Albanians abroad today must play that helpful role for Albania with their participation in the elections; they must become guarantors that Albania will not go backwards.

And that’s why I came here to ask you to continue and fulfill together this mission started a decade ago, to promote Albania to the top of 2030, making the road to Europe irreversible and doing for our country, for our flag, what every Albanian like you in America or Europe has done for himself, for his family, for the future of his children, becoming a proud and inseparable part of the community where he lives and works today here in the States or across the ocean in Europe”, – emphasized Rama./a.f/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama took to the social media to share images of the festival of football at Tirana’s main international airport, where Albania’s supporters danced and sang to the rhythms of traditional music.

A large number of foreign tourists visiting Albania joined the fans’ festive mood at the airport.

“Super festive atmosphere staged by Albanian national team fans and foreign tourists at Mother Teresa airport,” PM Rama wrote.

The 17th European Football Championship will begin on Friday night. For Albania it is the second time to take part in a major European tournament. Around 50,000 Albanian fans  are expected to attend Saturday’s game as the national  side will take on the defending champions Italy in Group B of UEFA Euro 2024 due to be played in Dortmund.

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The special decoration of red hearts spread everywhere in the capital seems appealing to citizens and visitors urging them to take the most beautiful photos standing by the love-themed installations.

The ATA photographers have captured on their cameras moments from the celebration of the day, which after the 90s became popular in Albania, as well.

Young people with smiling faces and flowers in their hands walk along the streets of the capital and the Grand Park of Tirana to celebrate their love.

Valentine’s Day offers lovers many ways to express their emotions. All over the world, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by showing appreciation for the people they love. Some people invite their beloved ones for a romantic dinner at a restaurant while others may take the opportunity to make a marriage proposal. Many people give their partners or admirers bouquets of flowers, greeting cards, chocolates, jewelry, but most give flowers./k.s/p.s./

The Albanian Telegraphic Agency was in Saranda to get a taste of the special atmosphere of the holiday season in the coastal city, which this year was ranked by Forbes as the “Traveler and European Best Destinations”, one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations in Europe.

With its glittering decorations, a beautiful Christmas tree, skating rink, carousel, wooden hut and stage for music and events, Saranda offers a festive and special atmosphere.

Visitors from different cities of the country as well as foreigners can enjoy the local cuisine, local crafts and regional products along with a rich program of concerts and shows making it a fascinating holiday destination.

The Christmas market in Saranda is dominated by glittering decorations, carousels, wooden huts and stages for music and various cultural activities on these festive days.

During the recent years, Saranda is attracting more and more foreign tourists; the reason for this is the important investments such as stairs, boulevard, lighting, signage, which have added a different look to the coastal city. /k.s/p.s./

The Bazaar Pass is the epicenter of the celebration where the improvised stage welcomes every evening singers and bands from all over the country.

In the characteristic cobbled streets of the historical city of Gjirokastra, there are many young people who approach the festive center to spend the evening hours.

But, people of other age groups, children, parents and grandparents are also having a taste of the holiday, while there are many foreign tourists from all over the world who have chosen the city of Gjirokastra to spend the festive evenings.

This choice of Gjirokastra has added the value to the traditional cuisine of the area, the flavor of the holiday and bits of Albanian culture and heritage./p.s./

Like many capitals of Europe and the world, Tirana is also getting ready for the end-of-year holidays.

In addition to the lighting of the big Christmas tree in “Skanderbeg” central square, the main streets and buildings are also decorated, giving a festive atmosphere on these last days of 2022.

The small wooden huts of the “Holiday Village” in the “Skanderbeg” square have turned into a festive space where citizens can spend time and have fun not only during the day, but especially during the evening hours. /k.s/p.s./