The Greek Embassy supported the event that was organized in an intimate atmosphere, where there were discussed topics like displacement, growth and resilience, as well as how literature reflects the stories of generations growing up in crises time and being in search of belonging.

Translator, lecturer and poet Maklena Nika took part in the event opening a space for reflection on the way contemporary literature speaks about young people living between two countries, two realities and many expectations.

The event followed the morning meeting with the students of the “Protagonistët” high school, where the author held a direct dialogue on the same topics, within the framework of the FELT2025 school visits.

This event is part of the festival’s program, which aims to promote European literature, stimulate cultural discussions and create connections between authors, students and the public in Tirana. /e.xh/ /a.g/p.s./

In cooperation with the Embassy of Ireland in Greece, for two days in a row at the Puppet Theatre, children from the National Cultural Centre for Children invented characters, created new worlds and wrote stories together with the authors of Fighting Words.

These creations will be gathered in a special publication and will be presented on Saturday, during the closing night of the European Literature Festival in Tirana

During their visit, Fighting Words also met with Suad Arrilla and Antonio Çikollari, two young writers from Albania, for an open conversation about beginnings in literature, the emotion of seeing a first text published, and the moments when a story leads you somewhere completely different from what you had imagined.

They spoke about the writing process, about the rejections and doubts that often accompany this path, and about the joy of a published text, showing the young writers in the audience that behind every book there is a lot of work, patience, and challenges.

Second edition of FELT 2025 kicked off two days ago and it brings 12 authors, representing 13 EU member states, and takes place on 2-6 December.

Aiming to highlight the diversity of European voices, promote contemporary literature, and engage Albanian public with authors and creatives from all over Europe, the festival offers a platform for dialogue, understanding, and storytelling through dynamic formats.

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At the “Asim Vokshi” Foreign Languages ​​High School, Austrian-Slovenian writer Maja Haderlap and translator Blerta Lazebeu will read extracts from their works and discuss with students the role of literature in preserving memory, dealing with the past and identity in a globalized world.

Meanwhile, at the “Protagonistët” High School, Greek author Christos Kythreotis will hold a conversation with young people on the topics of identity, youth and migration.

The day then moves to the House of Europe with a creative writing masterclass by Dario Voltolini and a conversation with Nadia Terranova. At the Faculty of History and Philology, Philippe Collin will talk to journalism and communication students about podcasts, media and history.

The evening will conclude at the Tulla Cultural Center with a conversation on the work of Wisława Szymborska with Michał Rusinek and a discussion with Christos Kythreotis on youth, identity and migration in contemporary literature.

The EU Delegation invites the public to browse the full program of the fourth day and become part of the European Literature Festival in Tirana. /j.p/p.s./