With cultural events that will close with a gastronomic reception, Albania, as the country of honor at the ITB Berlin fair, will open this year’s ITB on March 3, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the CityCube Berlin.
With the slogan “All Senses”, Albania will be represented by its Prime Minister Edi Rama. The opening ceremony is expected to be attended by around 2,500 guests, including many prominent figures from politics and the tourism industry, who will tour Albania’s landscapes, traditions, and cultural heritage.
Among others, Kai Wegner, Mayor of Berlin, Dieter Janecek, Federal Government Coordinator for the Maritime Economy and Tourism, Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, which organizes ITB, etc.
Traditional dances and music
Guests will witness an impressive artistic journey, combining Albania’s ancient cultural roots with modern influences: Representing Albania at Eurovision 2025, Shkodra Elektronike, the musical project of two Albanian immigrants who grew up in Italy, far from their homeland, Shkodra, will entertain guests with captivating traditional Albanian folk sounds with contemporary electronic music.
The Albanian National Ensemble will take to the stage with enchanting folk dances, some of which date back centuries and reflect the deep-rooted traditions of various Albanian regions:
- The Tropojës Dance (“K’cimi i Tropojës”) is a high-energy dance from the mountainous northern region of Albania characterized by its fast steps, powerful leaps, and rhythmic complexity. Recognized as a UNESCO heritage site, this performance embodies the spirit and resilience of the northern communities of Albania.
- The Sword Dance is a dramatic dance symbolizing the bravery and traditions of warriors. The dancers hold swords in a choreographed performance, alluding to Albania’s historical battles.
- The Osman Taka Dance is a traditional folk dance inspired by a legendary 19th-century Albanian freedom fighter. This performance tells a story of heroism and patriotism, combining graceful movements with dramatic storytelling. Today, Albania Celebrate (“Festë të madhe ka sot Shqipëria”) is a lively dance that captures the spirit of Albanian celebration and joy, with elaborate costumes and dynamic choreography.
- Guests at the opening ceremony will also enjoy Traditional Albanian Folk Music performed by the Albanian National Ensemble, including Kaba – an Albanian musical genre and a folk orchestral expression. Albanian Iso Polyphony, a traditional style of vocal music from Albania, will also be performed, accompanied by acclaimed pianist Robert Bisha.
- Under the direction of the renowned choreographer Edi Blloshmi, the contemporary dance performance “Allbania All Senses” will conclude the evening’s ritual with a representative sample of Albania’s cultural heritage.
Following the opening ceremony, Albania will host a gastronomic reception at the CityCube Berlin, offering guests a taste of its renowned cuisine. The exclusive menu will be curated by the renowned chef Genti Malaveci, showcasing traditional flavors.
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