The International Culture Weeks 2022 continue with a series of diverse events and activities celebrating the Italian culture in Tirana and other cities across Albania this week.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by the Minister of Culture Elva Margariti, visited Pizza Village, one of the biggest local festivals in Europe that is taking place in Tirana after a similar event in New York. 

“I am very glad to attend this event together with the Culture Minister, who has been leading all efforts and work to best host the International Culture Weeks, as well as together with our friends in the Italian Embassy, who have really mobilized all their forces to include institutions and authorities in these events. This is a program we are seeking to turn into a tradition and Italy is definitely the champion for the number of events in this first project. I would invite everyone to look at the calendar of events and best enjoy this week celebrating Italian culture, with pizza being the very symbol or emblem of the Italian culture, but the activities also include music, arts, ballet and film screenings, other events dedicated literature and other outdoor and open air events. Therefore, I very much hope that everyone finds time and a reason to attend the Italian culture events this week, which blends endless aspects of rich Italian culture in a single bouquet,” PM Rama said.

On her part, Culture Minister Elva Margariti underlined that such events offer entertainment, but they also provide information on various international cultures.

“The best side of this event is that a special session for kids is set to take place tomorrow morning. A group of more than 30 children will learn how to make pizza. True pizza masters will demonstrate their skills tomorrow afternoon. In the meantime, Parma’s Verdi theatre troupe will perform on the stage of the Theatre of Opera and Ballet with all the restored stage settings drawn on paper in 1913 and the first performance in Albania after a show in Spain. The events feature not only music, but also business activities as the Italians had their Consulate here today. It is truly an extension of Italy in Albania,” Culture Minister said.

International Culture Weeks contribute to better knowing and strengthening the relations with international partners, as well as increase the offer of cultural activities in Albania for people of all walks of life and ages.