A Meeting Between Tradition and Modernity in the Heart of Salento
Voci d’Albania offers two events to discover, celebrate, and share the richness of Albanian and Arbëreshë culture in the Mediterranean. These events celebrate Arbëreshë and shqiptarë culture through music, dance, theater, and testimonies, offering a meeting point between tradition and modernity. They are both organized by ASAL Student, in collaboration with the Abanian Community in Lecce.
On July 13 at 9:00 PM, in the outdoor space of the Parish of San Giovanni Battista, Lecce in Festa will feature the ensemble Ansambli Vatra Jonë, along with dancers and musicians . It will be a popular celebration, open to the public, blending traditional Albanian and Eastern music with the frenetic and syncopated rhythms of pizzica and taranta.
On July 20 at 7:00 PM, in the historic setting of the ex convento dei Teatini, a parade in traditional costumes will open an evening dedicated to reflection and memory: the book La chiesa greca a Lecce by Maria Acierno will be presented, followed by a discussion with scholars such as Mariella Agostinacchio and Pierfranco Bruni, and concluding with a comic theatrical performance in the Arbëreshë language.
Thus, Lecce becomes the stage for a two-part event weaving music, dance, memory, and identity, bringing to the forefront the voices and stories of a living, rooted, and open community—like the taranta itself.
Voci d’Albania is one of the most significant stops of Armonie del Mediterraneo, the summer festival promoted by the Municipality of Lecce with scientific and organizational support from the Agenzia per il Patrimonio Culturale Euromediterraneo, and with the contribution of TAP – Trans Adriatic Pipeline, Lead Supporter of the initiative.
From July 4 to 20, Lecce becomes the Mediterranean: a crossroads of arts, knowledge, and humanity reaffirming its natural vocation as a place of meeting, listening, and coexistence. The initiative is part of the official program of summer events promoted by the Municipality of Lecce for summer 2025, contributing to the enhancement of the cultural and landscape heritage of the area through high-profile proposals, accessible to a wide audience and oriented towards the sharing of knowledge and intercultural dialogue.
