Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the first night of the event on social media, highlighting the transformation of the new space into an important arena for events and tourism.

“Opening night at Drenova’s new Creative Industries Pole drew over 10,000 people to the Beer Festival and tripled local business participation. Led by the Albanian Development Fund and Korça’s municipality, the venue is part of a regional growth plan for Korça, Berat and Gjirokastra,” wrote Rama.

Marking its 20th anniversary, the Korça Beer Fest kicked off on August 12 for five vibrant nights of music, local beer, food, and entertainment.

This year, the event moves to the newly developed Events Pole in Drenova—a joint project by the Albanian Development Fund and the Municipality of Korça aimed at boosting tourism across the Korça-Berat-Gjirokastra region.

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Following stops in Vlora, Laç and Saranda, the National Folk Songs and Dances Ensemble performed in Durrës yesterday.

Thirty artists filled the stage in Durrës with the vibrant sounds and colors of Albanian folk tradition. Civic music and lively rhythms turned the performance into a shared celebration. The audience did not just watch the show; they joined the artists in song and dance to create a powerful, energetic atmosphere.

Fest Folk 2026 stops in Gjirokastra tomorrow, August 13. The National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances will perform an evening of traditional Albanian music and dance in this historic cultural center.

Fest Folk 2026 tour by the National Ensemble of Songs and Dances is a live tribute to our timeless folk music, dances, and traditional costumes.

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Korça’s home cooks have gathered once again to celebrate lakror, a signature regional pie that remains the highlight of holiday tables. From Polena to the wider Korça district, women proudly keep this age-old recipe alive—turning out a beloved local specialty that draws food lovers all year round. Baked to perfection under the traditional metal saç, this iconic pie owes its rich, unforgettable flavor to time-honored cooking methods.

The Lakror Festival in Polena, held every August, attracts regional tourists with local dishes and hospitality. It promotes traditional Korça culture and turns the area into a popular weekend destination.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama extended an invitation in the social media to citizens and visitors to join the beer fest, writing that entry will be free of charge.

“5 nights of music, beer, traditional flavors, famous artists and the unique atmosphere that only Korça knows how to create,” Rama wrote. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

Blending classic folk songs with modern works, the repertoire highlighted Albanian musical heritage while bridging the gap between veteran performers and emerging artists.

Before Gjirokastra, the event took place in Elbasan, while it will continue in Maliq, Erseka, Durrës, Kavaja, Lushnja, Fier, Vlora and Shkodra. The organizers aim not only to provide entertainment for the public, but also to support the preservation and promotion of Albanian folk music, bringing it to public spaces and cities with rich cultural history and traditions. /j.p/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from this festive evening, organized on the eve of Christmas and New Year, appreciating the preservation and promotion of the authentic traditions of Malësia e Madhe, which strengthen the cultural identity and promote the development of local tourism.

““Kelmendi in fest”, a beautiful tradition of the inhabitants of Malësia e Madhe, who under the sounds of the lute and two-stringed lute, added even more life to the festive atmosphere at this end of the year”, said Rama.

“Kelmendi in fest” event was organized for the first time by Kelmendi municipal unit, aiming for this celebration to become an annual tradition.

The festival brought songs, dances and rituals characteristic of the area, creating a special atmosphere for residents and guests on the eve of the end-of-year holidays.

The organizers emphasized that this initiative follows the example of the Tamara festival, which has already become a consolidated tradition and there is work to make Kelmendi festival, organized in December, a permanent place in the cultural calendar of the Highlands.

“Kelmendi in fest” is another step towards promoting the cultural values, hospitality and traditions of the area, turning the end of the year into a moment of unity and celebration for the local community. /j.p/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today in the social media footage from the activity organized on the banks of the Buna, where the river joins Lake Shkodra.

“‘Buna Fest’ is a festive occasion that gathered young men and women, local residents and tourists in Dajç,” Rama wrote alongside the footage.

The banks of the Buna in Dajç turned into a magical scene with music. Even children experienced a day full of fun with canoes, paddle boards or even swimming in the Buna River.

The most special was the fair with agro-food and craft products. Also striking were the stands filled with decorative flowers and trees.

The attendees enjoyed a different evening, where entertainment was combined with tradition, reinforcing the image of the Buna River as a natural treasure that deserves to be preserved.

Organized by the Municipality of Shkodra in collaboration with “EKO Mendje” NGO and the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, “Buna Festa” aims to promote the extraordinary resources of Dajç, where cultural and natural tourism combine. /m.m/r.e/p.s./

“The super-energy of Solar Fest in Saranda”, wrote PM Rama in his post.

“Solar Music Fest”, which has been held for several years, brings world-class DJs, famous artists and musicians to the beautiful city of Saranda and beyond.

This festival is a combination of good music, extraordinary parties on ships, as well as relaxing on the beach during the day.

The festival also carries an entertaining nightlife program unlike other events. /gj.m//a.f/p.s./

Mayor of Korça Sotiraq Filo shared in the social media the most beautiful moments the Beer Fest last evening.

Yesterday evening, well-known singers such as Anxhela Peristeri, Fifi, Aurel Thëllimi, etc. performed, electrifying the atmosphere with their songs.

Over 10 thousand participants joined this fest that extended during 5 evenings. They celebrated, sang and enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere created on this occasion.

“Korça showed once again that it knows how to host, entertain and stir up unforgettable emotions”, said Filo.

The Beer Fest in Korça is one of the largest festive events in Albania, which has been gathering thousands of visitors every August for 19 years. Known for its unique atmosphere, ever-growing organization and impact on tourism, the beer fest has become a symbol of Albanian summer. The 2025 edition marks 19 years of tradition and success. /k.s//a.f/p.s./

It was an occasion of extraordinary spectacle and got adrenalin of the people going for three consecutive nights in the city of Shkodra,

The participants held a grand parade through the streets of the city, attracting the attention of citizens and tourists.

After the parade, the bikers joined in an energetic celebration in the square in front of the Shkodra municipality, where live music under the sounds of the well-known “Elita 5” band created an electrifying atmosphere and kept the emotions alive throughout the evening.

Groups from all over the region participated in this celebration, including Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Italy.

Mayor of Shkodra Benet Beci thanked all the bikers and participating groups.

“I thank every group and every biker who joined us at the motorbike festival in Shkodra, especially the groups from Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Italy. Thank you all for the three wonderful nights we spent together in Shkodra,” he said. “Motobike Fest Shkodra” is promoting Shkodra’s position as an important center for motorcycle culture and adventure tourism in Albania. /r.e/p.s./