Sofra e Tiranes – the capital’s traditional festival
For 31 years, Sofra e Tiranes has been a highly anticipated event in the Tirana community.
Those born in Tirana have a nostalgia for this event, where they can listen to all their favorite songs, while also honoring the sons of Tirana who have given the most to this city.
Sofra e Tiranes came to this edition in an unusual atmosphere, as just a few months ago, the creator, founder, and organizer of this sofra, Arben Tafaj, passed away suddenly at the peak of his work and activities in Tirana, a city he loved so much.
Despite this great pain, his family and descendants could not leave Tirona Festa without organizing it, just as he had created and organized it for years.Ilir Tafaj, Arben’s brother, who now heads the newly created Arben Tafaj Foundation, led the entire organization of Tirana Sofra this year, featuring many guest singers, and also awarded a series of honors to the capital’s contributors over the years.
Ermonela Jaho was one of the well-known names invited to this Sofra, a Tirana girl who today honors the Albanian name on the world’s biggest stages, perhaps the most famous soprano in Europe at the moment. Ermonela, in addition to being honored with the Tirana Missionary Award, sang two wonderful Albanian songs for the spectators, one of which was a duet with the organizer, Ilir Tafaj, also a musician.
Then, all those present enjoyed the Tirana songs and dances in a truly festive atmosphere. From Artjola Toska to Valbona Mema, and Pajtim Struga with his daughter, the presence of young people shows that this celebration and all the music will continue for generations to come.
The “Sofra e Tiranes” will continue to be organized not only for the people of Tirana who were born and raised here, but also for all the guests who have made Tirana their home and become an integral part of the city. A people is judged by the way they welcome newcomers, and the Tirana people are the most open-hearted and hospitable in Albania. The celebration continues, and the tradition of the ancestors lives on.
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