Begaj was welcomed by Dibër Mayor Rahim Spahiu, with whom he discussed local development projects and challenges, heritage promotion and the area’s tourism potential.

At the festival’s closing ceremony in Peshkopi, Begaj described “Oda Dibrane” as a symbol of unity among Albanians across their homeland and the diaspora, highlighting its role in preserving and promoting national identity.

He added that the festival brought together Albanians from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, the Preševo Valley, the Arbëresh communities in Italy and the diaspora worldwide, stressing that culture and tradition remained powerful forces for unity across national borders.

Reflecting on the traditional Albanian oda, or gathering room, Begaj said it was a place where folk wisdom, customs, songs and the values of trust and hospitality were preserved and passed down through generations.

The head of state also stressed the need to safeguard cultural heritage and pass it on to younger generations.

“Cultural heritage is not merely a memory of the past, and folklore cannot be a museum that opens a few times a year, only for celebrations.

“A tradition lives only when it is sung, danced, told, learned and passed on. A song that is no longer sung is lost. A dance that is no longer taught is lost. A word, a ritual, an instrument or a craft that is not passed on to the next generation risks remaining only in an archive,” Begaj said, emphasising that preserving identity requires active participation.

He also praised the contribution of the Albanian diaspora, noting that songs, dances, language and customs served as bridges connecting Albanians abroad with their homeland.

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