Pogradec welcomes "Moto Fest"/ Hundreds of motorcyclists become part of the activity

2026-07-18 13:40:00, Qyteti im CNA

Pogradec has transformed this weekend into the capital of bikers from Albania and the region. Moto Fest Pogradec has opened the activities with a festive evening in the city center, where motorcycles, rock music and the atmosphere created by hundreds of participants have attracted the attention of residents and tourists.

The activity, organized by Moto Club Pogradeci, aims not only to unite the motorcycling community, but also to promote the lakeside city as a tourist destination and welcoming to local and foreign visitors.

The organizer of Moto Fest Pogradec, Dritan Hoxha, says that the activity aims to promote Pogradec through the passion for motorcycles, while emphasizing that the climax of the festival is expected a day later, with the participation of about 1000 motorcyclists from Albania and several European countries. According to him, in addition to the festive atmosphere, the event will also be accompanied by a humanitarian initiative to help people with disabilities.

Pogradec welcomes "Moto Fest"/ Hundreds of motorcyclists become part

"Today in Pogradec we organized a party with the motorcycle guys, with Moto Club Pogradec. As I have said before, the best promotion that can be given to a city is motorcycles. As you can see, the square is full today. But we have the biggest party tomorrow, on the 18th, where we expect about 1,000 motorcyclists from different Balkan countries, Italy, Germany and three trucks with aid that they are escorting to the city of Pogradec, for the disabled and people with disabilities. Today we had it for the citizens of Pogradec, to enjoy, to enjoy live music, rock music. We have hired a DJ who plays with video, and if you look, whatever song he plays, it is shown on the LED Wall. I see that there are a lot of people, they are very satisfied. I hope everything goes well."

Hundreds of motorcycles of various types were exhibited in the city square, attracting especially young people and children, who took the opportunity to see the different models up close and to get acquainted with the biker culture. In addition to the motorcycle parade, the organizers had also planned entertainment activities, live music and artistic performances that turned the evening into a celebration open to all.

Moto Fest is taking place for the sixth consecutive year and according to the organizers, interest is growing year by year. This year, participants come not only from Albania, but also from various countries in the Balkans and Europe, turning the activity into an event of international proportions.

Pogradec welcomes "Moto Fest"/ Hundreds of motorcyclists become part

"For me, this is the first year that I have participated in this event. I am one of the initiators of this group, but we have individually participated with some motocross bikes 10-12 years ago. I have emigrated to Los Angeles for so many years now and seeing the desire of all my friends who have seen some very different bikes from now, I have become part of this group and I have brought my bike from America at the same time and this year I have become a full member of this group. And we are enjoying this event very much, which is very beautiful and I believe that every year it will remain a tradition and inspire young men and women to develop this sport because it is something that, if you want freedom in this world, you need a bike. Of course not, there are many people passionate about motorcycles in Pogradec. There are many, many, many. We simply have to be the ones to motivate and inspire them. How do we inspire them? The best way is to organize these types of events and make them as beautiful as possible, by intertwined with rock music and at the same time with the desire to do beautiful things," said Artur Berberi.

Motorcyclists from different cities of the country, who have been attending such activities for years, have also become part of the festival. For them, motorcycles are not just a means of transportation, but a passion that creates new friendships and connects people with the same interests. Many of them have traveled hundreds of kilometers to be part of this meeting in Pogradec.

Pogradec welcomes "Moto Fest"/ Hundreds of motorcyclists become part

Elona: “Then, we come from Durrës.”

Eno: “I am from Tirana.”

Elona: “But we cooperate in Tirana.”

Eno: "We are friends from different motorcycle clubs."

Elona: "Extremely, because it's the only event that brings together people from all over the world, and not just motorcyclists."

Eno: "I have 21 years with the motorcycle."

Elona: "With separation, 6-7 years. Adrenaline cannot be explained, it is experienced."

Eno: "It will take a night, we will sit on a winter night. So far, great, congratulations to the guys, they have done a beautiful thing. Tomorrow is expected to be even more beautiful, many other motorcycle brothers and sisters will join us."

The festive atmosphere continued until the evening hours with musical performances and entertainment for the participants. The organizers have chosen that this year the artistic program will be combined with the culture of motorcyclists, bringing to the stage well-known artists and rock music, a genre that traditionally accompanies the events of this community. Singer Rubin Kaso, invited to the festival, praised the organization and hospitality of the city of Pogradec, describing the activity as one of the most beautiful events of the summer season.

Pogradec welcomes "Moto Fest"/ Hundreds of motorcyclists become part

"I'm feeling very, very good. I haven't had shishqebap, I haven't had beer yet, but I will soon. To be honest, it's a real organization, very beautiful, organized in detail. I believe that we will enjoy rock music tonight, rock & roll, pop-rock, everything. Pogradec, to be honest, is one of the cities that I love very much. Besides the lake, which is wonderful, the people are very kind, and many other details that I can't remember right now, every time I come to Pogradec I have a good time."

The second day of Moto Fest Pogradec is expected to be even busier with activities, with organizers expecting around 1,000 bikers from Albania, the Balkans and other European countries to arrive. A motorcycle parade through the city streets, concerts and social activities will be part of the program, while Pogradec is expected to welcome one of the largest gatherings of the biker community ever held in the southeast of the country./ CNA