Himara Hosts Live Giant 120kg Tuna Cooking Event in Central Square – First-Ever Public Culinary Showcase in Southern Albania

 A giant 120kg tuna is being cooked live in the central square of Himara, marking the first time such a large fish has been prepared in public in the coastal Albanian town. The event has attracted both locals and tourists, turning the square into a vibrant culinary celebration.

Chefs and staff preparing live tuna fish

According to chef Vionis Alushaj, this is an unprecedented initiative for Himara, designed to create a unique gastronomic experience in an open public setting. He emphasized that it is the first time a tuna of this size is being prepared live in front of an audience in the town, adding a special dimension to the coastal community’s summer atmosphere.

The tuna, weighing approximately 120 kilograms, was caught in Albanian waters near Saranda by local fishermen. The catch highlights the region’s strong connection to the sea and its long-standing fishing tradition, which continues to play an important role in local livelihoods and cuisine.

What makes the event particularly notable is that a significant portion of the prepared food will be distributed free of charge to visitors and tourists present in the square. This gesture transforms the cooking demonstration into a shared public feast, reinforcing a sense of community and hospitality that is central to the region’s identity.

Organizers describe the initiative as both a culinary showcase and a cultural experience, aiming to promote local seafood traditions while offering something memorable for those visiting Himara. The live cooking format also adds an interactive element, allowing attendees to witness the preparation process of such a large-scale dish in real time.

As interest in gastronomic tourism continues to grow in Albania’s southern coast, events like this highlight how food, tradition, and public participation can come together to create engaging experiences for both residents and international visitors.