United by a shared passion for art and its ability to transcend borders, participating artists will use the universal language of art to turn Korça into a meeting point for creativity, inspiration and cultural dialogue, organisers said.

The event marks the 16th edition of the “Mio Days” International Art Symposium, which promotes exchanges among artists and adds an international dimension to the city’s cultural life.

The event runs until October 31 at two venues: the Vangjush Mio House Museum and the Guri Madhi Art Gallery in Korça.

The annual painting colony is organised by Korça Municipality, the Korça Art and Culture Centre and the Guri Madhi Art Gallery.

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Over the next six days, the festival will showcase 100 short films from 40 countries.

Screenings will take place at the Majestik Cinema and the Digital Art Gallery (GAD), turning the city into a vibrant space where art, storytelling, and cinematic experiences come together.

The festival opens today, October 26, at 6:30 PM at the Majestik Cinema, with the film “DUA,” directed by Blerta Basholli.

Under the theme “WHAT WE IGNORE, REMAINS,” this year’s edition aims to highlight stories that provoke reflection, inviting the audience to look beyond issues that often remain unspoken.

A special segment of the program is dedicated to children, with screenings scheduled for October 28, 29 and 30.

Throughout these six days, the KO:SH film fest is set to bring a unique cinematic atmosphere to Korça, uniting diverse cultures, perspectives and narratives through the power of film. /j.p/p.s./

Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro announced that the government has approved the draft law for the project.

“The government has approved the draft law for construction of the French Lyceum of Korça, establishing a new institution within the pre-university education system. While the ‘French Lyceum’ is a familiar term in the history of Albanian education, this is a new school that will offer a joint diploma—valid for both the Albanian and French *matura* (secondary school leaving examinations). This has been made possible through an agreement between our two governments, following a joint initiative by President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Edi Rama,” she stated.

Kumbaro emphasized that, “The Ministry of Education has been working intensively for the past two years to develop fully aligned curricula for a French Lyceum with a scientific focus.”

Highlighting the innovative aspects of this institution, Kumbaro noted that it will be a public school, free of charge for Albanian students. A new project has just begun in Korça, featuring new classrooms, a library, laboratories and a canteen.

“It is free for Albanian children, but also open to students from the region,” she stated.

The French Lyceum of Korça will be a high school with a scientific focus, operating in three languages: Albanian, English and French.

In her remarks, the minister of education explained that the legislation provides for curricula aligned with those of France, as well as instruction by French teachers—working alongside Albanian educators for subjects taught in Albanian, such as the Albanian language, literature and the history of Albania. /m.q/r.e/j.p/p.s./

Her inspiring journey caught the attention of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who shared her story on social media. Thanks to financial backing from the Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (ARDA), Rolanda has modernized her business by investing in a new tractor and advanced agricultural machinery, securing a brighter future for her family’s farm.

“Rolanda dedicates herself daily to her apple, cherry, and plum orchards. ARDA support enabled her to acquire agricultural machinery that lightens her workload and drives her farm’s growth,” wrote Rama.

In addition to expanding her fruit orchards, Shukulli cultivates daily staple crops. This activity carries on a family tradition Rolanda inherited from her father and hopes to grow further. She noted that ARDA support has played a vital role in making this possible.

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Running through September 20, this four-day celebration transforms the city into an open-air stage across four distinct venues, beautifully blending timeless serenades with fresh, contemporary musical interpretations.

Opening night at Bashta Themistokli celebrated Korça’s young voices. Local artists and instrumentalists performed a vibrant mix of traditional serenades and classic Albanian songs.

Korça Mayor Sotiraq Filo stated, “Where Korça’s rich culinary heritage meets the soulful notes of its most cherished traditions, the magic continues. Experience three more enchanting nights of live music and traditional serenades at Metropolis Square, the Old Bazaar, and Metropolis Alley.”

Renowned names in Albanian music, such as Mihallaq Andrea, Eli Fara, and Redon Makashi, are expected to perform over the next three nights. The event brings the serenade back to its roots—the very settings where this tradition has been passed down from generation to generation. Serenades originally began as expressions of love in the narrow streets of Korça, performed on the guitar and mandolin beneath the windows of the young women they were dedicated to.

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In a social media post on Monday, the Ministry of Health said the initiative would introduce a new model of specialised care for older people, aimed at providing a more integrated approach to their healthcare needs across the country.

During her visit, Sala met elderly people receiving care and support at the centre, as well as opportunities to remain active and engaged in community life.

The new geriatric service is intended to strengthen specialised care for older people by providing more comprehensive and coordinated health services, with the aim of improving their quality of life and wellbeing.

The initiative is part of wider efforts to expand and improve health and social services for older people and tailor care more closely to their needs.

The Health and Social Welfare Ministry said its broader approach would combine prevention, specialised services and social support.

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During the visit to the new unit, Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala emphasized that quality health care means bringing treatment to the people.

“No cancer patient should have to travel far for help. Korça proves our commitment: safer conditions, better standards, and care where it belongs—close to home,” said Sala.

This new chemotherapy unit at Korça Regional Hospital is a joint project by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Albania Fighting Cancer. It provides a modern space for treatment. The hospital also upgraded its radiology tools and added a new digital image management system for faster care.

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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./

Over 200 artists from Albania, Italy, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia participated in the festival. They performed diverse repertoires and presented the musical traditions of the countries they represented.

Thronged by enthusiastic spectators, Korça’s vibrant summer parades and concerts firmly established the city as a leading cultural destination.

The Air Beat Festival enriched Korça’s vibrant cultural scene, offering unforgettable experiences for visitors while firmly positioning the city as a tourist hub for all visitors. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./