Albania

Souvenirs from Albania

Souvenirs from Albania are a requisite purchase for visitors to this remarkable country. One of the most famous art forms is iconography, dating back to the Byzantine Empire, of saints and other religious figures. If an antique icon is out of your price range, you'll find them on posters, postcards, stickers, refrigerator magnets and T-shirts, perfect for gifts. A key chain with a namesake saint on it would be an ideal present for a special young person. There are many other artisanal crafts in this country that would make perfect Albanian souvenirs. A woven rug for the bedroom, a carved alabaster statue, or a hand thrown piece of pottery on the dining room table are elegant ways to bring your vacation home with you. If you wish for something more personal, try a piece of delicate filigree jewelry to accent your favorite outfit, or a scarf made from hand-woven fabric.

Festivals in Albania

Festivals are a great way to experience the delights of any country you visit, and to enjoy the company of its residents. Albania offers many fun and unique festivals throughout the year, including the National Festival of Folklore. This celebration of traditional storytelling is held every four years at Gjirokastra Castle, and has participants from all over the world. The National Festival of Urban Folk Songs every March showcases the talents of Albanian musicians as they remake national songs using new instruments and modern sensibilities. For those seeking a truly national sound, the National Festival of Rhapsodists and Folk Instrument Players is a gatherin of musicians who play the sharki, lahuts and cifteli. Despite the name, the National Festival of Folk Instruments is a popular event for book promotions and historical seminars. The International Festival Multicultural Permet is a government festival that promotes the minority dialects and ethnic heritages in Albania.