On February 17, the traditional Shkodra Carnival kicked off with numerous festive activities across the city.

The celebrations began with school students performing traditional carnival verses along the city’s pedestrian street.

The Director of Culture in Shkodra, Sara Smaja, shared details about the planned week-long festivities.

“There will be various performances in the square and along the pedestrian street, with dance events in the afternoons, open workshops at the municipality, DJ music, and a mapping show on the municipality’s facade. The weekend will bring even more surprises, including concerts on Friday and Saturday nights. On Saturday, for the first time, there will be a grand afternoon parade featuring a spectacular light show, large-scale props, and music,” said Sara Smaja.

The celebrations will culminate on Sunday with the traditional burning of the effigy, a symbolic ritual of the carnival.

Beyond being Albania’s carnival capital, Shkodra is also known for producing famous Venetian masks, which add vibrancy to such festivities.

The tradition of celebrating the Shkodra Carnival dates back to 1860, though it was interrupted during the communist era and later revived after the fall of the regime.

Shkodra’s carnival has always had a spontaneous yet deeply rooted connection to the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage.