Mitrovica Opens 16th Edition of “Green Fest,” Attended by Albulena Haxhiu

Under the slogan “Reflect – Today, Tomorrow, the Day After Tomorrow,” the 16th edition of the “Green Fest” festival kicked off in Mitrovica this Wednesday.

The festival will continue until August 16, with urban biodiversity taking center stage at this year’s edition. The program also aims to encourage reflection on how the environment is treated, featuring various activities including kayaking, exhibitions and concerts.

Dozens of citizens attended the opening ceremony, which was also attended by political figures.

Among the participants was Acting President Albulena Haxhiu. In her opening remarks, she said that before Mitrovica became known as the city of miners, it had also been a city of crossroads.

Haxhiu said she was pleased to be at “Green Fest,” specifically in Mitrovica, which is known by many as the city of miners. She stressed that before it acquired this identity, the city served as a meeting place, where the Ibër and Sitnica rivers converge, where trade routes intersected and, later, where railway lines connected Mitrovica with many other places.

According to her, the establishment of Trepça brought miners, engineers and families to the city from different parts of Kosovo, as well as from farther afield. Haxhiu said they brought their languages, customs, music and experiences with them.

The festival’s director, Lulzim Hoti, described the slogan of this year’s edition as somewhat provocative, but necessary at the same time.

“Green Fest” continues to enjoy strong public support, which is why there is interest in attending the festival every year.