Every two years since 1983, the Albanian Orthodox Church “St. Mary” on Salisbury Street in Worcester transforms into the heart of a vibrant, weekend-long cultural celebration: the Albanian Festival. This year, the tradition continues, with the festival set to take place from May 30 through June 1, 2025.
“Albanians are known for their hospitality, so every time we host this event, it's a wonderful way to showcase both our heritage and our warmth,” said organizer Ilia Terova. “Meeting new people and hearing them say ‘Bravo’ – those are some of my favorite stories.”
A Celebration of Albanian Culture
Over the course of three days, festivalgoers will experience a rich showcase of Albanian culture. Traditional folk dances performed by the church’s troupe “ValleTona,” live music from both northern and southern regions of Albania, and guided architectural tours of the church are just part of the diverse offerings. Inside the church’s market, visitors will also find handmade art, jewelry, religious icons, and more.
No celebration is complete without food, and the festival menu is packed with authentic Albanian dishes. Visitors can enjoy grilled lamb kebabs, fried dough, spinach byrek, sweet baklava, and spicy suxhuk sausages — a favorite of Terova’s, as they remind him of his hometown, Korçë. “They’re great for sharing with friends, and they go perfectly with a beer,” he noted.
Weekend Schedule & Attractions
The festivities kick off on Friday, May 30 at 5:00 PM with an opening ceremony followed by music from local DJs, keeping the party going until midnight. According to Terova, Friday tends to draw a younger crowd — students, recent graduates, and local professionals winding down from the workweek.
Saturday, May 31, is the busiest and most energetic day, running from 12:00 PM to midnight, while Sunday, June 1, offers a more relaxed atmosphere from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Each afternoon and evening will feature a kids’ area with games and activities, as well as vendors offering cotton candy, popcorn, and ice cream.
Behind the Scenes: Months of Preparation
Terova has been involved with the festival since 1999, serving in various roles over the years. Now one of five co-chairs, he explained that planning for the event starts several months in advance. “It’s almost like a full-time job,” he said. “We need to make sure we’ve secured all the necessary permits from the City of Worcester, coordinated food supplies, and arranged for baking and desserts.”
Despite the effort, the payoff is worth it. “Last year in 2023 was my first time co-leading, and though the festive spirit was strong, we got hit with rain all three days,” he recalled. “From a week of 80-degree sunshine, we flipped right back to typical New England weather — completely unpredictable.”
A Regional Tradition Grows
The Albanian Festival has become a staple in Worcester’s cultural calendar, helping to open the city’s summer season of ethnic festivals. As Terova noted, there are clear connections between the various communities that call Worcester home. “There are so many shared elements throughout the Balkans — similarities with Greek, Romanian, and even Italian communities. Like them, we love to sit down, eat, and enjoy life.”
Terova estimates that over 10,000 visitors will attend the 2025 edition, with people traveling not only from Massachusetts but also from across New England, New York, and even as far as Chicago.
“The crowds have grown over the years, and people are more and more excited. Some even start asking a year in advance, ‘Are you bringing the festival back?’” he said.
One of the aspects Terova values most is seeing the next generation take on leadership. “People who were just dancers 15 years ago are now leading different festival areas. They’ve grown up with this tradition and become incredible hosts,” he said with pride.
Albanian Festival 2025 – Event Details
📍 Where: St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church
Address: 535 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA
📅 When:
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Friday, May 30: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
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Saturday, May 31: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
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Sunday, June 1: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎟️ Admission:
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Adults: $2
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Children under 12: Free
For anyone interested in culture, cuisine, and community, the Albanian Festival offers a unique and joyful way to kick off the summer.