Celebrating Europe through art: Cultural Week returns to Albania

From May 17 to 31, Albania will host the latest edition of European Cultural Week, a vibrant and inclusive celebration of art and culture spanning nine cities across the country: Tirana, Kamza, Shkodër, Durrës, Elbasan, Vlorë, Korçë, Berat, and Pilur (Himarë).

Why is this important: With over 45 events on the program, the initiative creates a dynamic platform for international collaboration, public reflection, and artistic expression. Performances in music, theatre, film, exhibitions, and discussions will explore themes such as identity, memory, freedom, belonging, and love.

Renowned artists such as Blerta Kambo, Olsi Hoxha, Redina Qose, Rona Nishliu, Gentian Doda, Lorin Terezi, Harlen Nikolli, and many others will present their work through diverse mediums, transforming public spaces into hubs of creativity and critical thought.

Highlights of the Cultural Week:

• May 17 – Vlorë: The Albanian Visual Arts Network will host an all-day art gathering.
• May 19 – Tirana: The panel “What Makes Us European?” will take place at the House of Europe.
• May 19–20 – Durrës: Premiere of “Dialogues in Sound”, a musical performance by the ensemble Musica Nova, Harlen Nikolli, and Mikaela Minga at St. Lucia Cathedral.
• May 20–22 – Tirana: Theatrical premiere of “The Post-Language Society” by Berk Publications at Valentini Bookstore.
• May 21 – Spaç: A rare concert titled “Sounds of Memory” will be held at the former Spaç prison.
• May 21 – Elbasan: Concert “Circle of Sounds” by Mardit Lleshi at Skampa Theatre. Additional performances will take place on May 24 in Shkodër and May 26 at Metropol Theatre, Tirana.
• May 21 – Tirana: Opening of Olsi Hoxha’s exhibition “Unclear Starting Points” at Minus Art Space (open to the public May 22–31); artist talk on May 28.
• May 22 – Kamza: Theatre production “My Song” by ATA Group with Elsa Demo and Klodian Gjonpalaj. Performances follow in Tirana (May 23) and Shkodër (May 25).
• May 23 – Tirana: Discussion on theatre and the performing arts at the House of Europe.
• May 23 – Tirana: Opening of Redina Qose’s exhibition “Where Do the Swallows Go” at Tulla Cultural Center (open May 24–29); artist talk on May 29.
• May 25–27 – Various Cities: Theatrical production “Mother Tongue”, featuring Ema Andrea, Aida Talliente, and Elvira Buoncuore in Shkodër, Korçë, and Tirana.
• May 25 – Tirana: Blerta Kambo’s exhibition “Love Is the Same” opens outside the Pyramid (open May 26–31); artist talk on May 30.
• May 27–29 – Various Cities: Concert JALBOZ by Rona Nishliu and Gent Rushi in Shkodër, Korçë, and at the University of Arts, Tirana.
• May 28 – Tirana: Artistic dialogue on contemporary Albanian music and film at the House of Europe.
• May 28 – Tirana: Piano duo concert by Silvana Skënderi and Fjorda Veizaj, organized by the Czech Embassy, at the University of Arts.
• May 28 & 30 – Tirana & Pilur: Film premiere “Vëndçe” by Lorin Terezi at Millennium Cinema, and later in Pilur.
• May 29–31 – Multiple Cities: Contemporary dance performance “Between Steps and Shadows” by Gentian Doda in Tirana, Berat, and Durrës.

European Cultural Week 2025 positions culture as a bridge between citizens, communities, and European values. Rather than defining Europe, it gives voice to those who live and reimagine it—through the shared language of the arts.

Following European Cultural Week, Albania’s International Cultural Weeks—an initiative by the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation—will continue with Italy, followed by Israel, Sweden, France, and others.