Votra Magazine Brings You Highlights from New York’s Beloved Albanian Festival, Honoring Tradition and Community
New York, October 26, 2024 – The Albanian Festival Lights Up New York
For the 32nd year, the beloved Albanian Festival brought a vibrant celebration of heritage and culture to Purchase College, filling the venue with music, dance, and Albanian pride. Organized by the Catholic Church “Zoja e Shkodrës,” this festival has become one of the most anticipated cultural events for Albanians in the United States, uniting generations to celebrate their shared traditions. This year’s festival continued the cherished legacy with electrifying performances, heartfelt speeches, and a festive atmosphere that left everyone inspired and connected.
The festival, a dynamic blend of Albanian music, dance, and folklore, is a vital reminder of the enduring strength of the Albanian spirit. Organized with dedication by the “Mother Teresa” Cultural Center and the esteemed artistic group “Rozafati,” directed by the talented choreographer Angjelina Nika, recognized as a “Mjeshtër i Madh” (Master of Excellence), it is an event where generations meet—where the older generations pass down stories, and the younger generations experience the beauty of their culture firsthand. The festival holds a unique power, allowing Albanians in America to keep their roots alive, forging connections that stretch across oceans and borders.
A new highlight this year was the formation of a folkloric orchestra, directed by the talented Agim Kola and supported by Father Pjetër Popaj, both instrumental figures in bringing together Albanian-American artists. Under their leadership, musicians, singers, and dancers took the stage in a mesmerizing display of unity and talent, each performance a tribute to the Albanian homeland and the traditions passed down through centuries. With vibrant, colorful costumes that dazzled the audience, each performance was a vivid display of Albania’s rich heritage, bringing to life traditional designs and patterns that reflect the country’s diverse regional styles.
The “Rozafati” group, with its commitment to teaching over 300 children from all Albanian-speaking regions, has become a cornerstone in the effort to preserve Albanian culture in America. Through cultural, educational, and patriotic programs, they offer these young Albanian-Americans a connection to their roots, helping them embrace and carry forward the legacy of their heritage. Votra Magazine was thrilled to highlight these efforts, underscoring the importance of the work done by the “Rozafati” group and the “Mother Teresa” Cultural Center.
Presented by the eloquent hosts Zef Vataj and Kozeta Turishta, twelve vibrant folklore groups from cities across the U.S. and regions in Albania and Kosovo performed, each group adding its unique touch to the colorful tapestry of Albanian tradition. This year, the festival also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the “Zoja e Shkodrës” Catholic Church’s consecration, marking it as a revered institution that has supported the spiritual and cultural lives of Albanians in New York. Father Pjetër Popaj’s keynote address highlighted the invaluable role of the “Mother Teresa” Cultural Center, stressing the importance of preserving Albanian identity, traditions, and values in America. His words resonated deeply with the audience, reaffirming the dedication of the Church and its partners in ensuring that future generations remain connected to their Albanian roots. Votra Magazine captured this powerful message, sharing it with readers to inspire pride and solidarity among Albanians across the globe.
Festival Performances Included:
• Gjergj Kastrioti (Detroit): “E Dua Shqipërinë” (I Love Albania)
• Rozafati: “Vallja e Luleve” (Dance of Flowers)
• Albanian School of the Church: “Moj e Bukura Arbëri” (Oh, Beautiful Arbëria)
• SHKA Struga: “Valle e Babos” (Father’s Dance)
• Bashkimi Kombtar: “Rrofsh Shqipni Nanë Lokja” (Long Live Mother Albania)
• Barbana: “Valle e Vashave” (Dance of the Maidens)
• Rozafati: “Valle Malsie” (Highland Dance)
• Argjend Lloga: “Të Fala Parisit” (Greetings to Paris)
• Bashkimi Boston: “Valle Arbereshe” (Dance of the Arbëreshë)
• SHKA Labëria: “Moj Kunadhe Gushëbardha” (Oh, White-Throated Marten)
• Nora e Kelmendit: “Valle e Malesisë” (Dance of the Highlands)
• Rugova: “Buqetë Folklorike” (Folkloric Bouquet)
• SHKA Struga: “Valle e Rugovës” (Dance of Rugova)
• Dionis Delia: “Malli i Mërgimtarit” (Longing of the Emigrant)
• Barbana: “Vallja e Ulqinit” (Dance of Ulqin)
• Haki Krasniqi: “Moj Kosovë Moj Koloni e Ngjeshur” (Oh Kosovo, My Enriched Colony)
• Rozafati: “Valle Çamërie” (Dance of Chamëria)
• Nik Çarku: “Ulni Burra e T’pajtojm Vendi” (Men, Sit Down and Let’s Unite the Land)
• Montclair University Ensemble: “Rranjët Shqiptare” (Albanian Roots) – “Udhëtim Nëpër Shqipëtari” (Journey Through Albania)
• Nikolle Preçi: “M’fal o Zot se Nuk T’u Luta” (Forgive Me, God, For I Did Not Pray)
• Nora e Kelmendit: “Valle e Bjeshkatareve” (Dance of the Mountain Dwellers)
• Kristina Marku: “Moj Evrop’ Po T’shkruj Nji Letër” (Oh Europe, I’m Writing You a Letter)
• Rozafati: “Valle e Zanave” (Dance of the Fairies)
• Ermina Bushi: “Jemi Vllazën e Kem’ Nji Nanë” (We Are Brothers and Share One Mother)
• Gjergj Kastrioti: “Valle me Motive të Rugovës” (Dance with Motifs from Rugova)
• SHKA Labëria: “Aman Moj Mike” (Oh Dear Friend)
• Bashkimi Boston: “Valle e Librazhdit” (Dance of Librazhd)
• Besim Muriqi: “Bjeshkët e Shalës” (Mountains of Shala)
• Closing Performance by Rozafati: “Valle e Tropojës” (Dance of Tropoja)
With each song, dance, and cheer, the festival offered a living portrait of Albania’s cultural heritage, bridging the past with the present and future. As the night went on, the joyous performances echoed through the halls, capturing the pride, passion, and unwavering love Albanians feel for their homeland. This festival not only celebrated Albanian culture but also served as a powerful reminder of the unity and resilience of the Albanian-American community.
