Visit the Festa e Lakrorit because of:
1. Authentic Culinary Experience – Watch and taste lakror prepared the way it has been for centuries.
2. Cultural Immersion – Enjoy folk performances and learn about the deep-rooted customs of Korça’s villages.
3. Support Local Communities – Contribute to the preservation of Albania’s rural heritage.
4. Picturesque Setting – Experience the beauty of Korça’s scenic villages and traditional homes.
The Festa e Lakrorit is more than just a festival—it is a journey into Albania’s culinary and cultural soul. Whether you are a food enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a traveler seeking authenticity, this event offers a taste of history wrapped in the delicious layers of a perfectly baked lakror.
At Votra Magazine, we celebrate and document Albania’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. Stay connected with us for more stories on traditional festivals, folk music, and historic recipes that define Albania’s identity.
Join the celebration, taste the tradition, and experience the magic of Korça at the “Festa e Lakrorit” with Votra Magazine.
Why Festa e Lakrorit in Korça Is One of Albania’s Most Loved Food Festivals
Description
Preserving Tradition and Flavor with Votra Magazine
Nestled in the heart of southeastern Albania, Korça is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and deeply rooted traditions. Known as the “Little Paris” of Albania, Korça is a center of history, arts, and gastronomy, with one of its most cherished culinary traditions being the lakror me dy petë—a flaky, savory pie cooked under a saç.
Every year, between August and September, the Festa e Lakrorit (Lakror Festival) takes center stage in Korça and its surrounding villages, Polenë, Voskopojë, Boboshticë, and others. This festival is more than just a culinary event—it is a cultural experience, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate, taste, and witness the authentic preparation of one of Korça’s most beloved dishes.
A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
Lakror is more than just food in Korça, it is a symbol of hospitality, family, and heritage. The preparation of lakror me dy petë në saç is an art form passed down from grandmothers to mothers, from mothers to daughters, ensuring that each generation continues the legacy of traditional Albanian cooking.
During the festival, local women, young girls, and even men participate in the making of lakror, showcasing a process that has remained unchanged for centuries. The dough is hand-rolled using an oklagija (rolling pin) on a wooden board (jastragaç). Around ten women work together to roll out the delicate layers of pastry, while two men manage the fire and heat the saç, and another two oversee the baking process.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Once assembled, the lakror is placed in a large metal pan (sini) and covered with a preheated saç, a heavy dome-shaped lid covered in hot embers. The firewood, typically made from twigs or dried branches, is carefully managed to ensure even cooking.
Baking time: Approximately 20 minutes
When fully cooked, the lakror is brushed with butter and sprinkled with water, ensuring a crispy yet soft texture. The end result is a golden, flaky pie that embodies the authentic taste of Korça.
While the Festa e Lakrorit is centered around food, it is also an opportunity to promote rural traditions, local crafts, and regional specialties.
Visitors can enjoy:- Traditional folk music and dances from the Korça region
- Homemade products such as petë të fshira, cheeses, pickles (turshi), trahana, jams (reçel), pasta (petka), beans (fasule), and local raki
- Handmade goods that showcase the artistry of rural life. Beyond the festivities, the festival has an economic impact on the local community, as profits go directly to village families, supporting their livelihood and traditions.
