Stavri Shkurti remains one of the greatest names in Albanian performing arts, an actor whose talent and performances left an indelible mark on Albanian cinema and theater. Sadly, his life was cut short. The renowned actor passed away in 1998 in Greece, where he had emigrated after the 1990s together with his family—his wife and their two sons, Dionis and Gjergj. The final days of his life have remained a deeply emotional memory for his family. His wife, Florika Shkurti, recal

Mokra will host the seventh edition of the “Mokra n’Fest” festival on August 8, an open invitation to experience firsthand the magic of a tradition proudly preserved from generation to generation. This celebration, which for years has brought together people from Mokra from all over Albania and beyond, transforms this beautiful mountainous area into a center of tradition, culture, and hospitality. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said today that this celebration is a journe

For the first time, chess players of all age groups from Pogradec, Ohrid, and Struga took part in a joint chess championship organized to mark International Chess Day. The event brought together the three cities surrounding Lake Ohrid, marking a new milestone in cross-border cooperation through sport. Participants expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, highlighting the opportunity to compete against players from neighboring countries. They noted that chess is a sport that

The Academy of Sciences today commemorated, on the anniversary of his death, the distinguished actor Pandi Raidhi, one of the most beloved and respected figures of the Albanian stage and screen. He was born on April 14, 1921, in Korçë and passed away on July 18, 1999, in Tirana. Raidhi was a co-founder of the Professional Estrada of Korçë and helped establish the “Andon Zako Çajupi” Theatre. He made his film debut in the first Albanian movie, “Tana” (1958). Throughout his car

More than 200 artists from Albania, Italy, Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia brought the musical traditions of their countries to Korçë. The second edition of the International Band Festival aims to promote Korçë as an important destination for cultural tourism. The Armed Forces Band performed in the city where the foundations of Albania’s first state orchestra were laid. The Kotor Orchestra, one of the oldest in the Balkans, which participated for the first time, prese

In Kolonja, tourists have the opportunity not only to visit natural attractions and cultural heritage monuments, but also to learn how to prepare traditional dishes before enjoying them. Cooking alongside local residents is becoming one of the most attractive experiences for visitors. French tourists, who are visiting Kolonja in large numbers this year, say they are impressed by the region’s nature, traditional cuisine, and the warm hospitality of its people. “It was wonderfu

The National Museum of Medieval Art in Korçë continues to remain one of the most important destinations for cultural tourism in Albania, attracting thousands of local and foreign visitors. During the first six months of the year alone, around 16,000 tourists visited the institution, with the majority being foreign visitors. The museum has become an important stop for tourists seeking to learn more about the history, iconography, and cultural heritage of Korçë. The director of

The actor Koço Qendro has passed away, one of the most important names in Albanian theatre, comedy, and cinematography, leaving behind an extraordinary artistic contribution built over more than six decades. Born on May 15, 1927 in Senicë, Delvinë, Koço Qendro built his life and artistic career in Korçë, where he became one of the founders and most representative figures of professional theatre and variety shows. With hundreds of roles performed in theatre and film, he became

More than 45 precious icons from the collection of the National Museum of Medieval Art in Korçë are being presented to the French public for the first time at the Museum of Fine Arts in Chambéry, as part of the exhibition “Icons of Albania.” The exhibition showcases an important part of Albania’s cultural and artistic heritage, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the values of iconographic art preserved through the centuries. Through this initiative, not only are th

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, and the mayor of Korçë, Sotiraq Filo, visited the building of the Archaeological Museum of Korçë, which has undergone restoration. The restoration works have been completed and the site is now ready to welcome visitors. The Archaeological Museum of Korçë is located in the historic house of Fani Pjasta, one of the city’s buildings with special cultural heritage value. Minister Gonxhja stated that, in cooperation with

June 6 – International Carnival Festival in Korçë: celebration, tradition, and identity. Summer is coming… and with it, events that give the city life and identity. The International Carnival Festival of Korçë continues a remarkable tradition that identifies the city with celebration, art, and urban vibrancy. Parades with costumes, music, colors, and festive energy turn Korçë into an open stage, where the community and visitors come together to experience an event with strong

Today he lights 99 candles of life… One of the most beloved icons of the Albanian stage, Koço Qendro, the artist who for decades gave the public humor, emotion, and true art. With hundreds of roles in theatre and cinematography, he remains a name that never ages in the memory of Albanians. From the stage of Korçë to films we have watched with love across generations, Koço Qendro continues to be a symbol of talent, dedication, and nobility in Albanian art. Happy 99th birthday,

Pogradec Castle remains one of the most important historical and tourist attractions in southeastern Albania, attracting local and foreign visitors every year who are interested in history, culture, and its unique panorama. Edi Rama today shared images on social media from the Castle of Pogradec, located above the city on the southwestern side of Lake Ohrid. The fortress dates back to the 5th century BC. The Castle of Pogradec has become a preferred destination for tourists,

Dash Shehi has shared the story of the great composer Aleksandër Lalo, to show how little artists in Albania are valued by the state. “Corruption worth millions is happening. Billions are disappearing. Aleksandër Lalo, who was a friend of mine, used to say a couple of things about art. Once I asked him, ‘Sandër, are you doing anything?’ He said, ‘No, Dash.’ ‘Why aren’t you doing anything?’ He said: music is like fruit, it is eaten after bread. This people needs bread. He reti

Summer is coming… and with it, events that give the city life and identity. June 6: International Carnival Festival in Korçë | Celebration, tradition, and civic identity. One of the most important festivals of the year, the Korçë Carnival continues a remarkable tradition that identifies the city with celebration, art, and urban vibrancy. Parades with costumes, music, colors, and festive energy turn Korçë into an open stage, where the community and visitors come together to ex

Korçë is being described as one of Europe’s “hidden” destinations, a safe, affordable, and increasingly attractive place for tourists seeking authentic experiences. Just a walk through Korçë is enough to notice the atmosphere of a typical Mediterranean city: cobblestone streets, tiled roofs, and old neighborhoods that resemble labyrinths. During the warmer months, people fill the squares, drink coffee under umbrellas, and enjoy the city’s calm rhythm. In the background, gentl

As part of cooperation with Chambéry, a French delegation composed of experts in tourism, regional development, and Alpine natural parks conducted a tour of several villages with high tourism potential in the Korçë region. During the field visits, natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and opportunities for creating a more structured, authentic, and year-round tourism offer were closely assessed. Discussions focused on: – developing local products – empowering communities and

In the city of Korçë, the first edition of the Nationwide Festival of Lyrical Singers of high schools “Tefta Tashko Koço” has concluded. The Chairman of the Korçë Regional Council, Petrika Tollkuçi, described this festival as the revival of a beautiful memory of the city of Korçë, a time when this stage was filled with emotion, artistic discipline, and young voices singing with rare passion. In the 1980s, such lyrical performances were highly anticipated events, where audienc

In Korçë, interest in restoring houses that are over 100 years old has increased significantly in recent years. Many of these buildings are being converted into guesthouses for both local and foreign tourists, while others continue to be used as family homes. During restoration, owners take care to preserve original architectural elements such as wooden gates, doors, and windows. Engjëll Bregu, a woodwork restorer, says that in recent years demand for the restoration of tradi

On the very day the world marks International Book Day, sad news comes from the Albanian world of knowledge, as it is reported that the well-known academic Rexhep Qosja has passed away. Rexhep Qosja, author of more than thirty books of literary studies and criticism, artistic prose, short stories, novels and dramas, journalism and polemical writings, died at the age of 89. The news was announced by his family, who stated in a notice that he was laid to rest in the presence of