Korçë has once again become the capital of poetry, as the first night of the latest edition of “Korçë Nights of Poetry” opened yesterday evening — a cultural event that brings together poets and art lovers from around the world.

This poetic gathering hosts 34 authors from Italy, France, Israel, Monaco, Greece, Kosovo, and Albania, who have brought not only inspired verses but also the sounds, emotions, and culture of their respective countries.

The evening opened with a heartfelt tribute to the late Korçë poet Skënder Rusi, with his son, Eris Rusi, stating: “Poets are mortal, but their literary work lives on forever.”

“Korçë is poetry, and the name of poet Skënder Rusi is tied to that passion. For 29 years, poets have come to the city of Korçë to be part of that unique poetic vibration. The nights opened with his verses — poets have an earthly life, but their literary legacy makes them eternal,” said Eris Rusi.

Participants in this edition praised the significance of the event in promoting poetic creativity and building bridges of cooperation between local and international authors.

“Authors from all over the world have participated. Korçë welcomes poets who bring their feelings through poetry. It’s an honor and a pleasure for Korçë’s poets to be part of this. It’s a great way to create bridges of cooperation with other countries,” said Valbona Lola.

“We’ve had poetic gatherings in many Balkan countries and in Italy. Culture needs bridges, and these bridges are built by poets, by art and culture,” added Arjan Kallco.

“It’s not my first time in Albania; it’s my fourth. I love Albania. It’s a privilege to be part of this poetic night. I want to thank the poets and friends who have translated my books from Italian into Albanian,” said Stefania Romito.

This marks the 29th year that the poetry nights are being held — one of the oldest and most important cultural events in the city of Korçë.