Pan-Albanian gathering in Calabria focuses on Arbëresh heritage and the call “Freedom for the liberators

Calabria has brought together representatives from Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, the Preševo Valley, the diaspora, and Italy’s Arbëresh communities for an event dedicated to culture, heritage, identity, and strengthening cooperation across the Albanian-speaking world.

Around 60 participants from various Albanian regions have been brought together by the Union of Albanian Municipalities in the Region as part of the Permanent Forum on Regional Tourism, being held from September 18 to 20 in Calabria’s Arbëresh municipalities.

The forum focuses on Arbëresh heritage and the opportunities it offers to become a bridge for cooperation in tourism, culture, and the economy.

The program includes the language, traditional costumes, cuisine, music, rites, and customs that Arbëresh communities have passed down and preserved from generation to generation.

The gathering aims to ensure that Arbëresh heritage is treated not only as a historical legacy but also as a foundation for new initiatives in tourism, culture, youth, and the creative industries.

Alongside its cultural and tourism program, the event also conveyed a message of solidarity with Kosovo. Delegates from Albanian regions and representatives of Arbëresh municipalities delivered the message “Freedom for the liberators,” as debate continues in Kosovo over the trials in The Hague of former KLA leaders and members.

From Arbëresh soil, where Albanian communities have kept their language and identity alive for centuries, representatives of Albanian regions and the diaspora conveyed two messages: protecting their shared heritage and supporting Kosovo.