Poland launches the 4th edition of International Cultural Weeks in Albania

The fourth edition of the International Cultural Weeks launches in Albania on April 14, beginning with a program led by Poland. Following three previous editions, the event continues its mission to promote intercultural dialogue through a series of artistic and cultural activities across the country.

A grand opening in the heart of Tirana

This year, Poland makes its debut on April 14 at the iconic “Reja” installation in Tirana. Opening festivities will feature the acclaimed Silesia Song and Dance Ensemble, bringing centuries-old Polish folk traditions to life. In a joyful moment of cross-cultural connection, the group will invite the audience to join a spontaneous Polonaise—a ceremonial dance recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Joining them on stage will be Albania’s own National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances for a cultural exchange of movement, including a joint performance of the Polish Trojak dance alongside Albanian traditional dances.

The celebration continues the next morning at 11:00 AM, when dance students from the University of Arts will participate in a hands-on workshop focused on traditional Polish choreography.

A week of stories, cinema, and creativity

Beloved Polish children’s author and illustrator Monika Filipina will host creative art workshops for children at the Puppet Theatre on April 15–16. With over 50 published books translated into more than 20 languages, Filipina will also engage with parents, educators, and young readers at the House of Europe, sharing her creative process and showcasing her colorful body of work.

Polish cinema takes the spotlight with two powerful film screenings at the University of Arts. On April 15, acclaimed director Joanna Kos-Krauze presents Papusza—the moving story of the first published Roma woman poet in Poland. The next evening, April 16, her film Birds Are Singing in Kigali explores the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide through a deeply human lens, telling a story of survival, friendship, and forgiveness. Both screenings will be followed by Q&A sessions with Kos-Krauze herself, who will also lead a masterclass for film and theatre students on April 17.

When sports meet culture

Culture takes to the court as two professional coaches from the Polish Volleyball Federation lead training sessions with students from the “Ismail Qemali” School on April 17–18. The action culminates in a friendly match against teams coached by the Albanian Volleyball Federation at the “Vasil Shanto” School on April 18.

A jazz finale

The Polish week wraps up with performances by the JAH Trio, part of the International Jazz Festival in Albania. The group—Jan Jarecki (piano), Michał Aftyka (double bass), and Marcin Sojka (drums)—will bring contemporary Polish jazz to life in both Tirana (April 18) and Shkodër (April 19).

As Tirana marks its designation as the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue, the International Cultural Weeks extend beyond the capital to cities and towns across Albania. With the participation of 20 countries and hundreds of artists, the nine-month program offers a diverse array of performances, exhibitions, workshops, film screenings, and cultural exchanges—bringing global creativity to local communities throughout the country.