“Balkanika Folk Festival 2018” for the first time in Tirana

“Balkanika Folk Festival 2018” is an event which is organizing for the first time in Tirana, Albania. More than 300 artists from 12 countries marched yesterday in the center of Tirana, dancing in front of National Theater square of Tirana, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Dressed with colourful traditional costumes, each delegation raised their flag while parading in the most populated streets of Tirana. Many foreign tourists and citizens where so happy to see such a beautiful open show, photographing and recording them while dancing and singing loudly their songs.  Balkanika Folk Festival will take place on 21-22 September at Art Academy situated at Mother Teresa Square.

The director of Festival is Sokol Guga, a young artist who managed to organize such a huge event. He sent the invitations to all the folk ensembles in Balkan countries and the response was fantastic. Mr Guga says that Albanian embassies also played a role to make this happen.

The 12 countries will compete with their dances and music, and at the end a jury will award the best ensembles. The symbol of Award is “Lahuta”- a typical Albanian instrument. “Lahuta e Arte” is the first prize for the winner of this festival. There will be other prizes for the best costume, the best male dancer and female dancer.