The President of the Republic of Albania, Sh. TZ Bajram Begaj, was in the village of Vajze in Vlora, invited to the historical, cultural and artistic festival "Vajze Festë 2024".
During this visit, the President of the Republic was received by the residents of the area and the dignitaries participating in the activity that has been going on for two years, but which has reached national proportions.
President Begaj honored the patriot Ali Asllani, the son of Vajza, a well-known Albanian personality in politics and literature, by placing flowers on his bust raised by the villagers themselves.
The President of the Republic placed bouquets of flowers on the tombstone dedicated to the martyrs of the Vlora War and the Second World War, as well as on the bust of the People's Hero Perlat Rexhepi.
The Head of State made visits to the New Center of Culture, to an agrotourism enterprise, as well as to the Archaeological Park of Amantia.
Meanwhile, during the welcoming speech at "Vajzë Fest", the President of the Republic spoke about the importance of such initiatives that promote the further development of Albanian villages, the preservation of traditions and the approach of foreign visitors for the international promotion of historical and cultural heritage.
President Begaj's speech at the "Vajze Fest" festival in Vajze, Vlora
Dear participants, artists, guests of honor, and residents of the village of Vajze,
Today I feel a special emotion that I am in this place blessed by nature and marked by history to celebrate together an activity that contains in itself the power to reborn and revitalize not only the village of Vajza, but also to give more breath to the national spirit.
Vajze village is more than a name on the map, it is the birthplace of Ali Asllani, the bright poet of these parts.
His poetry is part and psychological and linguistic reflection of Labëria.
His poetic work fascinates you with the power of direct expression, becoming the voice of important events in our history.
A symbol of the inflexible Albanian spirit, through his verses, Ali has elevated the values and dignity of this people.
It is a great honor to step on the path of poems and on the same roads where he was inspired and created.
It is an honor and a pleasure to be in the Daughter of patriotic and brave anti-fascist women and men.
Honor forever those who fell in the war and those who accepted the shooting and burning of the village three times and did not give up their wounded sons.
The heroic past of this village is indicative of the noble character of its inhabitants.
Today, his sons, inspired by love for their homeland, have taken the initiative to revive their village.
The Girl's Festival in this second edition is proof of the power of love for the roots.
Through art and culture we can bring life back to the hearts of our communities. Revitalizing villages through art and culture is not just an aesthetic initiative. It is an act of devotion and love for the homeland.
For me, the festival is also a bridge that connects the past with the future, where tradition and modernity come together to create a new reality, full of possibilities and hope.
Dear friends,
Revitalizing our villages is a process that requires dedication and hard work, but the results are extraordinary. Through such initiatives we promote the development of tourism, bringing more visitors, more life and more vitality to these areas covered with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
These efforts will bring even more attention and investment.
Participation in this second edition of the festival is a clear proof of its success and the importance that this activity has gained in the cultural calendar of our country. I am happy to see how Vajja rises in the cultural landscape of Albania, becoming a center of attraction for artists, tourists and culture lovers from all over the world.
We are all fellow travelers on this road of the rebirth of our villages. Every step we take forward is proof of dedication and love for this blessed land and Albania.
Let's work together to make Vajza and all the other villages of Albania hotbeds of life, culture and beauty.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your hospitality, generosity, presence and contribution to the country!
Special thanks to all those who made the organization of the festival possible!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!