By Maire Rowland
Have you ever wondered how to use chopsticks? Do you know what a “nargjile” is? Ever seen a Macedonian traditional dress? The Harmony of Cultures event in the Tirana International Hotel on May 10, 2016 provided people with the opportunity to explore the world while answering all of these questions and many more. The event invited the public to talk to people of different nationalities that live in Tirana about their native cultures and traditions.
Organised by the non-profit organisation Alsar, the event included seventeen countries from all over the globe. Each country was represented by a table and individual country banner with pictures, maps and information about their histories and cultures. Participants of the event were international young people who are working, volunteering, or studying in Tirana.
From the double deckers of London’s bustling streets to the ancient ruins of Thessaloniki and the glorious green of Mount Fiji, the audience was given a whirlwind trip through the participating countries in a short documentary that was screened at the event. The event attracted a host of diplomats and dignatories keen to promote intercultural co-operation such as Hidayet Bayraktar, the Turkish Ambassador and Kuwaiti Ambassador Fayez Al-Jassem.
The opening presentation included a talent group of Albanian girls and boys who performed dances to an enthusiastic crowd. Kitted out in traditional dresses, hats and gold dangling headbands, the youngsters twirled and curtsied, knelt and clapped to Albanian folk music.
This was an occasion to learn something new about the diverse world that we live in from people of different nationalities. It offered an unique and social way to learn about the world. The Japanese table posed a chopstick challenge for the curious. The Kosovo, Montenegrin and Albanian tables displayed souvenirs and antiques along with beautiful hand-woven traditional outfits.
Whether you were interested in history, traditions, language, or just felt like talking to people from diverse backgrounds, this global fair provided something for everyone. The countries represented at the event were Albania, Macedonia, Japan, Ireland, Hungary, Turkey, U.K, U.S.A, Philippines, South Korea, China, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Montenegro, and Kosovo.
The international community in Tirana may not be as large as in other European capitals, but the Harmony of Cultures showed that there is a wide range of nationalities that call Tirana home.
