“Between East and West”: Albanian Culture at the Heart of Lecce

On 20 July 2025, starting at 7:00 p.m., the Former Teatini Convent in Lecce will host “Between East and West: Albanian Culture at the Heart of Lecce”, the second event of Voices of Albania, part of the Mediterranean Harmonies Festival.

The evening will celebrate the richness of Albanian culture in its many forms, bringing Arbëresh and Shqiptar heritage into dialogue through music, dance, poetry, theatre, historical reflection and cultural testimony.

The initiative aims to highlight shared roots, explore the many expressions of Albanian identity across the Mediterranean and create a space for encounters between communities, generations and territories.

A folkloric procession through the historic centre

Before the main event, at 6:30 p.m., a folkloric procession will leave from the Greek Church of Lecce and continue to the Former Teatini Convent.

The procession will be open to everyone wishing to take part, either by wearing traditional clothing or simply by joining in the spirit of celebration.

As it moves through the historic centre, the procession will transform the city streets into a space of colour, participation and cultural exchange. It will symbolically express the connection between memory, identity and the living presence of Albanian communities in Salento.

An evening of music, dance and cultural reflection

The programme will feature artists, scholars, associations and performers committed to preserving and promoting Albanian and Arbëresh culture.

Among the leading participants will be Meli Hajdëraj, a historic voice of Albanian music, who will bring the emotional power of traditional song to the stage.

Dance will be represented by Irma Duka, choreographer and dancer with the Tirana Ballet, whose artistic experience will contribute to the celebration of Albanian choreographic heritage.

The evening will also feature Maria Acierno, historian of the Resistance and lecturer, with a contribution focused on history and memory, together with Mariella Agostinacchio, art historian and cultural curator.

Poet and Mediterranean intellectual Pierfranco Bruni will offer reflections on culture, identity and the Mediterranean, enriching the event through poetry and critical thought.

Arbëresh culture through theatre and living tradition

A central role will be played by associations that have worked for years to preserve the Arbëresh language, memory and cultural heritage.

The Vorea Association will bring to Lecce a theatrical experience rooted in Frascineto, using performance to tell the story of Arbëresh culture.

The Rrënjët Tona Association, from San Marzano di San Giuseppe, will present a living expression of Arbëresh tradition deeply rooted in the local community.

The “Vatra Jonë” Ensemble will contribute through poetry, song and dance, offering an emotional and participatory portrayal of Albanian identity.

The presence of both Arbëresh and Shqiptar organisations will give audiences a broad and nuanced view of Albanian culture, showing how its different expressions have been preserved, transformed and renewed over time.

A cultural bridge across the Adriatic

“Between East and West” presents Albania not as a culture confined within geographical borders, but as a historical and symbolic space connecting different worlds.

The evening will provide an opportunity to rediscover the deep ties between Albania, Arbëresh communities and Salento and to recognise culture as a powerful tool for dialogue, knowledge and lasting relationships.

In the heart of Lecce, music, theatre, dance and poetry will become shared languages through which emotions, identities and beauty can be experienced together.

Admission is free.

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Event information

Event: Between East and West: Albanian Culture at the Heart of Lecce
Date: 20 July 2025
Folkloric procession: 6:30 p.m., from the Greek Church to the Former Teatini Convent
Main event: 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Former Teatini Convent, Lecce
Part of: Voices of Albania – Mediterranean Harmonies Festival
Admission: free