This initiative boosts environmental awareness and encourages sustainable care for one of Albania’s unique regions. By blending art with social and ecological responsibility, the Porto Palermo Festival engages the local community. The European Union supports these cultural and eco-friendly projects to protect Albania’s heritage.

After magical nights inside the castle, the Porto Palermo Festival moves to the open sea and sky for its final two days. On August 21 and 22 in Himara, the “Porto Palermo Outdoor” finale features Dren Abazi, Olen Cesari, Offchestra, and more, closing out the festival’s sixth year. /p.s./

Stretched between green hills, Porto Palermo beach on the Albanian Riviera is one of the most popular summer destinations, both for local tourists and for foreigners.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today a photo from Porto Palermo in social media describing it as an idyllic place, a picturesque landscape that evoke a sense of calm and tranquility.

The beach has a spectacular view with white pebbles, crystal clear waters and a 200-year-old castle at the top.

It is known by two names, the Porto-Palermo Castle or the Ali Pashë Tepelena Castle.

During the summer season, the beach remains a very attractive destination for all visitors who seek tranquility, freshness, history and immense beauty that Porto Palermo offers. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

Yesterday evening, the audience sang and danced with the energy of Olen Cesari, Marsela Çibukaj, Dren Abazi, the Albanian Folkl Ensemble, as well as with the special participation of Gjirokastra singer Roland Çenko and Himaria singer Katina Beleri, turning the night into an unforgettable celebration.

The organizers of the Porto Palermo Festival thanked the municipality of Himara and Mayor Vangjel Tavo, as well as the Albanian Development Fund, for their support and trust in this artistic event.

Porto Palermo Festival began on July 31, with a territory clean-up action.

The festival aimed not only to bring the best artists, but also to promote sustainable cultural tourism in Albania. The historical Ali Pasha Castle was filled with music, emotion and positive energy for 12 unforgettable nights during which extraordinary artists performed with strong emotions on a unique stage. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

The stage of the Ali Pasha Castle was lit up by her energy and voice that defies time. It was her first participation in this festival, which this year marks its 5th anniversary. Aurela Gaçe’s night turned into an unforgettable celebration for the audience in the medieval castle, where each song gave way to emotions and joy. The audience sang, danced and applauded her non-stop.

Another evening at the Porto Palermo Castle was dedicated to Latin music. The fiery rhythms of Latin America conquered the magical stage, when Carlos Paz and Sin Fronteras brought passion, energy and music “without borders”, turning the night into a celebration full of dance and emotions under the southern stars.

Other well-known artists who became part of the Porto Palermo Festival this weekend were Kastriot Tusha and Ardian Trebicka. Sweet serenades and pearls of cultivated Albanian music were combined with the magical backdrop of the sea and the centuries-old walls of the castle. Every note, every word, every melody seemed to come alive telling stories of love, memories and forgotten dreams. /a.f/p.s./

“Fatalita” is a four-scene ballet choreographed by the renowned Toni Candeloro, assisted by prima ballerina Enada Hoxha. The production’s detailed artistic direction includes costumes by Edlira Qyshka and video design by Florian Çanga.

The performance at Palermo’s Teatro Massimo marks the continuation of the ballet’s international journey, following a successful premiere at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana.

The performance blends together four world classics – Romeo and Juliet, Carmen, La Traviata, and Anna Karenina – unified by the theme of the female protagonist who meets a tragic end.

Choreographer Candeloro conveys a poignant social message: an urgent call to end violence and subjugation against women, so that their fate need not be fatal.

Created in Tirana, “Fatalita” now graces one of Europe’s most important theaters, carrying Albanian art, passion, and professionalism onto the international stage.

/r.e/u.sh/

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media a video information about this castle, while inviting visitors to discover it.

“The Porto Palermo Castle, a pearl of history among the crystal clear sea, which invites every visitor to discover it”, said Rama in the caption attached to the views.

Porto Palermo Castle stands in one of the most beautiful areas of the Albanian coast, hidden among the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea.

Built by Ali Pasha Tepelena at the beginning of the 19th century as a gift for his wife Vasiliqi, this castle hides a history full of mystery inside. World literary figures such as Alexandre Dumas, etc. have also written about it.

The unique architecture of the castle speaks of the mastery of construction and strategic intelligence. From the high towers and defensive walls, the eye sees an endless horizon where the sea and the sky merge into a stunning view.

The narrow corridors, entrance and secret rooms of the castle are witnesses to the defensive strategies used by Ali Pasha. The Strategy Room preserves the atmosphere of the time. There were drawn up plans for the defense of the territory.

Also, this special place has become a perfect stage for cultural and artistic events. Every year, visitors from all over the world come to discover this place, feeling the spirit of history in every corner.

Also, the beaches and the wild nature around it complete a perfect offer for all tourists. /m.m/j.p/p.s./

Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro shared in the social media moments from this action while writing that, “This edition of the Porto Palermo Festival started with a very significant call of art for the environment”.

Kumbaro thanked the violinist Olen Cesari, the students and lecturers of the “Aleksandër Moisiu” University, the organizations, voluntary groups, businesses and beach holiday-makers of Porto Palermo who responded to the message “Preserving Our Sea 2” with great devotion.

“This action reminds us that we must protect the beaches, historical and cultural heritage objects with civic responsibility and then spend beautiful holidays and hold festivals like the Porto Palermo Festival, which will be held on August 1-18, making this place even more magical”, wrote Kumbaro.

The festival, conceived by violinist Olen Çesari, this time will bring 12 artists in 12 magical evenings, which, like every summer, will take place in the fortress of Porto Palermo. The artistic activity is supported by the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation and is a combination of voices, melodies, acting and wonderful performances of the artists. /k.s/p.s./