From opera to Cravat Day: Tirana welcomes Croatian Cultural Week

Croatian Cultural Week officially opened in Tirana yesterday, 17 November, bringing four days of music, film, philosophy, cultural heritage and public dialogue from 17 to 20 November. All events are free of charge and aim to showcase the creative and spiritual richness of Croatia to the Albanian public.

The programe began with the Opera Friendship Concert, a gala performance that unites distinguished Croatian and Albanian artists in a celebration of cultural ties. Croatian performers include sopranos Arijana Gigliani Philipp and Petra Pia Kartelo, bass Jakov Kalajžić, baritone Jurica Jurašić Kapun and pianist Božo Letunić. They were joined by the Choir of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble in a diverse musical programe highlighting Croatian composition. The concert took place in the main hall of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble in Tirana.

On 18 November, the cultural programe continues with the screening of A Blue Flower by director Zrinko Ogresta at the “Agimi” Art Center. The film follows Mirjana, who is preparing to receive an award for 20 years of service, but what begins as an ordinary day becomes an emotional journey through the layers of her life. In Croatia, 18 November also marks the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Homeland War (1991-1995), offering an added layer of reflection for the audience.

Tirana will host the celebration of Cravat Day on 19 November, honouring one of Croatia’s most recognizable symbols of national identity. The day will open with a special exhibition at the National Library’s “Sotir Kolea” Center, tracing the history and evolution of the cravat through the centuries. Following the exhibition, fifteen members of the Cravat Regiment from Zagreb will parade in full ceremonial uniform from the “Sotir Kolea” Center, through the pedestrian zone and Skanderbeg Square, continuing along the main boulevard to Italy Square, bringing an atmosphere of elegance and tradition to the capital.

Croatian Cultural Week concludes on 20 November with the lecture “Building a Europe of Peace: The Role of Croatia”, delivered by Croatian philosopher and academic Prof. Pavo Barišić, President of the International Paneuropean Union. Held at Europe House in Tirana, the lecture will explore the philosophical, political and historical dimensions of the European Union and reflect on Croatia’s contribution to the broader European peace project.