3rd Greek-Albanian Friendship Festival/ A cultural bridge between two countries

2026-05-01 14:11:00, Kulturë CNA

Korça welcomed the third edition of the Greek-Albanian Friendship Festival, an activity that every year brings together two cultures closely linked by history, tradition and art. On the stage of the “Andon Zako Çajupi” theater, choirs from Albania and Greece presented a special evening, where music became a common language of communication.

The choral performances brought a rich repertoire, combining artistic and traditional music from both countries. The hall filled with spectators testified to the interest and appreciation for this activity, which has now become a tradition.

3rd Greek-Albanian Friendship Festival/ A cultural bridge between two countries

According to the arts coordinator, Aleks Suljoti, this festival is based on the strong historical and cultural ties between the two countries.

"Without a doubt, we have historical ties and this friendship between Greece and Albania is one of the cornerstones. Korça is the city that has always had open horizons for every other culture, especially the neighboring Greek culture. That is why I think it is the only city that can hold such a festival in its heart."

This festival is not only an artistic activity, but also a space for collaboration and cultural exchange, where artists of different generations share their experiences and passion for music. Music teacher from Greece, Tita Terzi, considers participating in this festival as a special honor and pleasure.

“It is a great honor and pleasure to be participating in this festival. Tonight I will present two songs with our choir, one is from artistic music with the poetry of Gemistis Solomos, the national poet of Greece, and with the music of Demetris Lagios. The song is called Galini. The second is from the traditional repertoire of performances, a Zakynthian cantata called The Alphabet of Love.”

3rd Greek-Albanian Friendship Festival/ A cultural bridge between two countries

Songs that reflect the identity and spirit of the two peoples were performed on stage, bringing together common motifs of tradition and culture. Member of the “Lira” Choir, Thoma Çollaku, praised the performance and the message of friendship conveyed by this festival.

"It was a very good performance. This is the second year I have participated. Four very beautiful songs were sung, two Albanian and two Greek. This shows the culture and friendship that we have with the Greek people, that we are united, especially Korça. This was also seen in the hall that was full of spectators and I believe they were very satisfied."

Special importance was also given to the involvement of young people, who brought excitement and energy to this festival. Student Petrula Kotonika shares her emotions about this first experience on stage.

3rd Greek-Albanian Friendship Festival/ A cultural bridge between two countries

"I am a student from the 'Omiros' school and I am very excited because this is the first time we will perform at the 'Andon Zako Çajupi' theater. We have prepared the songs with a lot of love, we can't wait to perform and give our best. The songs we have chosen are 'Alphabet of Love' and 'Galini', a song that metaphorically reflects the sea, its waves and the love of people."

Student Kejda Guri also emphasizes the importance of this activity for young people and the connection with Greek culture.

"Today we will sing two songs, this is the first year that we have been involved in this activity, we have enjoyed it very much. We hope to please the audience. It is something that we do with great desire and today our music teacher, Tita Terzi, will also accompany us. I have grown up on stage since I was little and I have no problem at all, I am proud to be on stage. I went up to act and sing. It is something that teaches us more about the Greek language, culture. I have liked the Greek language since I was little, I have been learning it for 9 years and I will keep it."

3rd Greek-Albanian Friendship Festival/ A cultural bridge between two countries

The Greek-Albanian Friendship Festival continues to be an important bridge between the two countries, promoting cultural dialogue and turning Korça into a meeting point for art and tradition./ CNA