Wednesday, 25 November 2026 · all day
On November 25–26, 2026, the 14th edition of the National Typological Folk Festival of Folk Rhapsodes and Instrumentalists is scheduled to take place at the “Ded Ndue Lazri” Palace of Culture in Lezhë. The festival is organized by the National Center of Traditional Activities, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, in cooperation with the Municipality of Lezhë.
The festival is expected to bring together around 20 artistic groups and ensembles, comprising approximately 160 folk rhapsodes and instrumentalists from various regions of Albania. Over the course of two evenings, the participants will present epic and historical songs, rhapsodic performances, and instrumental pieces featuring the lahutë, çifteli, sharkia, flute, bagpipe, and other traditional instruments, reflecting the richness and diversity of Albanian musical folklore.
Through this festival, the aim is to create opportunities for artistic expression and to recognize folk rhapsodes and instrumentalists from different parts of the country who, through their performances, convey historical, legendary, and mythological events, thereby keeping Albanian folk memory and tradition alive. Particular attention will be devoted to the inclusion of traditional musical instruments, especially rare instruments at risk of disappearing, as well as to the promotion of young artists, with the aim of preserving and continuing these traditions. The festival will take place over two evenings, will be competitive in nature, and several awards will be presented.
As part of the festival, a fair featuring master craftsmen who make folk musical instruments is also planned, along with a practical workshop dedicated to the lahutë and a discussion panel with tradition bearers and cultural heritage specialists.
The festival will also include practical workshops dedicated to the lahutë, the flutes of Gramsh, and the lauri, with the aim of presenting the distinctive features of these traditional instruments, promoting the skills required to play them, and passing them on to younger generations. A discussion panel with tradition bearers and cultural heritage specialists is also under consideration, focusing on the preservation, promotion, and continuity of Albanian musical folklore.
This activity aims to identify, preserve, and promote the values of Albanian rhapsodic and traditional instrumental music, while encouraging the interest of younger generations and passing this heritage on to future generations.
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