Croatian Cultural Week Held in Tirana

From 17 to 20 November 2025, the Croatian Cultural Week was held for the first time in Tirana, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Albania and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Albania, in cooperation with the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble, the National Library, “Agimi” Art Center and Europe House. The event attracted major interest from the Albanian public and the diplomatic community and was recognised as an important contribution to strengthening cultural and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The Croatian Cultural Week was officially opened on 17 November with the “Friendship Concert” at the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble. In a rich and diverse programme, Croatian and Albanian artists performed well-known opera arias, including works by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Rachmaninov and Wagner, as well as pieces by Croatian composers Ivan pl. Zajc and Ivo Tijardović.

Artists from Croatia included: Arijana Gigliani Philipp (soprano), Petra Pia Kartelo (soprano), Jurica Jurasić Kapun (baritone), Jakov Kalajžić (bass) and Božo Letunić (piano accompaniment).

Representing Albania were: Simona Karafili (soprano), Amelda Papa (mezzo-soprano), Denis Skura (tenor), Erlind Zeraliu (tenor), Sokol Hidersha (baritone) and Ingrid Pulizo (piano accompaniment).

The programme was conducted by Maestro Dritan Lumshi, with the participation of the National Theatre choir.

The highlight of the evening was a joint performance of the Albanian song “Karnavalet” by composer Avni Mula and the Croatian song “Neka cijeli ovaj svijet” from the musical Jalta, Jalta by Alfio Kabiljo, which received a standing ovation.

On the second day, 18 November, the film A Blue Flower by director Zrinko Ogresta was screened at the “Agimi” Art Center. In commemoration of the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Homeland War and the tragedies of Vukovar and Škabrnja, the screening opened with a message projected on screen and a minute of silence at the invitation of Ambassador Zlatko Kramarić. The programme was held without additional content as a mark of respect.

On the third day, 19 November, the Cravat Regiment from Zagreb, led by Željko Matejčić, held a ceremonial parade through the centre of Tirana - from Skanderbeg Square to the National Library Sotir Kolea, where the exhibition on the history of the cravat was officially opened at 1 pm. Speakers included Ambassador Zlatko Kramarić and Franjo Bušić on behalf of Academia Cravatica. Following the opening, the Regiment continued the parade towards the Catholic Cathedral, the Pyramid and state institutions, finishing with a final performance on the main square. Despite rain, the appearance drew considerable attention from both locals and tourists.

The event concluded on 20 November at Europe House with a lecture by Croatian philosopher and university professor Prof. Dr. Pavo Barišić entitled “Building the Europe of Peace - Croatia’s Role”. Prof. Barišić addressed the vision of Europe as a continent of peace, Croatia’s role in its promotion, and the European Union’s enlargement and cohesion policies, followed by a discussion.

Croatian Cultural Week in Albania has been recognised as a prime example of successful cultural diplomacy and a strong foundation for further cooperation between Croatia and Albania in the fields of culture, education and public diplomacy.

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