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| The "Qeleshe" - Albanian hat |
The agreement was formalized today in Tirana as part of efforts to advance the second package of nominations for inclusion in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The collaboration aims to strengthen documentation, promotion, and long-term preservation of selected cultural elements that reflect Albania’s identity and heritage.
The nominated elements in this package include the traditional “Dollia” ritual, the crafting of the “qeleshe” (traditional Albanian felt cap), the Gjirokastër Folklore Festival, and the spring rituals of the Arbëresh communities. These practices represent a combination of social customs, artisanal knowledge, and cultural celebrations that have been passed down through generations.
According to Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhe, each selected element carries strong cultural significance. The Dollia ritual is closely connected to hospitality and social codes within Albanian tradition. The making of the qeleshe represents a traditional craft that preserves techniques inherited over generations, while the Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival remains one of the most important events for the promotion of Albanian folklore.
Gonxhe also highlighted the importance of “Moti i Madh,” referring to the spring traditions of the Arbëresh communities, as a key cross-border cultural link between Albania and the Arbëresh diaspora. These traditions, he noted, reinforce cultural continuity and shared identity across communities.
Authorities emphasized that inclusion in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list would not only ensure better preservation of these traditions, but also enhance their international visibility and contribute to sustainable cultural development.