In the Days of Arbëreshë Culture, a special activity was held in the city of Gjirokastra, which focused on the promotion of Arbëreshë traditions and culture inherited from generations.

A group of representatives of the Municipality of San Marzano, one of the largest communities of Arbëreshë in Italy, came to Albania to visit the stone city.

“For me it is the first time in Albania and here in Gjirokastra and I can say that the hospitality was of such a level that we did not expect, it was very nice. The idea we discussed about the twinning between the municipalities of Gjirokastra and San Marzano, which is a municipality with one of the largest Arbëreshë communities in Italy, is quite good,” said Francesco Leo, mayor of San Marzano.

Part of the arrangements was also a concert by Arbëreshë folk artists who performed folkloric and traditional elements of the San Marzano area, and the show was massively attended by the public.

“On these days of celebration, on these days marked for Albanians and definitely also for Gjirokastra and the Municipality of Gjirokastra, we have had the pleasure and honor of having the mayor of San Marcano, a friend, a mayor unlike the others in fact there is an affinity, there is a connection and another love with Albania and from here on with Gjirokastra, we have discussed and very soon we will have a twinning between the two cities to continue cooperation not only culturally, artistically,” said the mayor Gjirokastra municipality, Flamur Golemi.

During the month of November, a series of cultural and artistic activities were held in Gjirokastra, which focused on the contribution of patriots to the Declaration of Independence and the anti-fascist resistance during the Second World War.