Today, the Carnival celebration began early in the morning on the streets of Shkodra, while not only the local citizens of this city were present, but also people from all Albanian-speaking regions. After the parade of artistic characters, playing of the music, celebration and spectacle, the carnival concluded with burning of the scarecrow erected in the center of the city of Shkodra.

Mayor Benet Beci shared photos from the Carnival celebration in the social media, writing: “Shkodra, under enchanting carnival celebration.”

The festive atmosphere of the carnivals began on February 17 with performances by the city’s school children, transformed into different characters, and who brought delight to the residents who had come out in city’s streets with their performance.

Great parades, concerts and artistic performances accompanied the local residents of Shkodra as well as tourists from other cities or even abroad, throughout the seven days (February 17-23), preserving the rich cultural tradition and turning Shkodra into a true holiday destination. /r.e/p.s./

The protesters, led by MPs and members of the Democratic Party leadership, but also with the support of the Freedom Party leaders, blocked traffic at five intersections, some of the most important in Tirana.

The protest began at 5:00 p.m. Traffic was blocked at “Zogu i Zi”, the Bridge at “Elbasani Street”, “Wilson” square, the Block of Apartments with Painted-Arrows and near Tirana City Hall.

Initially, after the roads were blocked, there happened the first clashes at the Block of Apartments with painted arrows.

Since the start of the protest, the police demanded opening of the roads, reminding the protesters that it is a criminal offense. “Open the road traffic, it is a criminal offense to block roads,” were the calls of the blue uniforms to the protesters.

But, the protesters ignored the calls and after more than 1 hour and 30 minutes of gathering, the police attempted to open the traffic, but were met with resistance from the protesters, who clashed with the blue forces even physically.

Head of the Parliamentary group in the Democratic Party Gazment Bardhi said while being at the Wilson Square that, “There is an increased aggressiveness of police officers against the citizens.”

“This violence is unjustifiable. Every time we call ‘Rama Go’, the police get irritated. The actions are chaotic. These actions do not abide by the law. Even now that we are making statements, the police have surrounded us and the media”, said Bardhi.

The MP of the Freedom Party Erisa Xhixho also reacted to the situation. “We are within our constitutional right to protest”, said Xhixho.

Following tension, the protest has begun to appease. The first road that was opened was the one at the Tirana municipality, to continue with opening of traffic at “Elbasani” road, at “Zogu i Zi” and then at “Wilson” square, where former Prime Minister Sali Berisha announced the end of the protest.

For the first time in almost a year, Berisha appeared on the ground leading the opposition protest. The leader of the Democrat Party said that the opposition will continue to protest until their objectives are achieved, which are a technical caretaker government as a step to the free elections. /a.f/p.s./

The closing concert, in the square in front of the Town Hall, was the result of the collaboration of young Albanian, Italian, Romanian and Colombian musicians, participating in the “Scanderbeg Chamber Orchestra” under the direction of maestro Paçalin Pavaci, the Shkodran artist with a successful career mainly in Italy and Spain.

“Shkodra Jazz Festival 2023”, organized by the Cultural Association “Rrok Jakaj”, with the support of the Municipality and other partners, for three consecutive weeks made Shkodra even more attractive in this period of the tourist season. /p.s./

“After the reports and discussions in the Security Council, President Begaj appreciated this meeting as very important as well as the commitment of all institutions to guarantee national security in their area of responsibility. The President stressed the importance of coordination, efforts and ensuring all institutional inclusion, efficient use of national resources and the search for the contribution of every citizen in the function of national security”, reads the report of the President’s Office.

Begaj also asked at the meeting that strategic documents should not be just formal documents; they should be well-budgeted and ensure the coordinated and harmonized use of the instruments of national power in guaranteeing security, promote sustainable economic development, increase the well-being of citizens and ensure the protection of values and national interests of the Republic of Albania./p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today on social media moments from this important event, which took place in the surroundings of the Grand Park.

“Good morning and with the super energy of the “Sunny Hill” and thanks to Dua Lipa, who we are looking forward to in Tirana in November, I wish you a good week”, wrote Rama.

On the first night of the festival, there performed the well-known Albanian artists Capital T, Dafina Zeqiri, Dren Abazi, Art Lokaj, Sanchet, Art Haliti.

While the atmosphere became more electrifying when Italian rapper Fedez and rapper Action Bronson went on the stage, who brought the most beautiful songs of their repertoire.

Meanwhile, on the second day of the festival, there performed only world-renowned Albanian DJs such as Hardwell, Afrojack, Regard Merk&Kremont, Drop G, Kamela Ampov, Vin Veli.

On the third day of the festival, there performed Stormzy, Mc Kresha and Lyrical Son, Ledri Vula, Mozzik, Getinjo, Elgit Doda, “Asgjë Sikur Dielli”, Nika Paris-Vegas Jones-Rooms, Barny Fletcher, Alban Chela, Ardian, Rrrrron.

Earlier, the festival was also held in the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. Attending were about 100,000 participants./m.m/p.s./