Albanian community in US marks heritage day

NEW YORK, June 21 – The culture of Albania will come alive through music, dance and activities for all ages during the Albanian Heritage Day celebration, Saturday, June 23, noon to 7 p.m., at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.
The Kastrioti Band will perform music for dancing on the plaza. Singers Luljeta Pllumi and Gezim Nika will also entertain, and sports activities will include a Shah tournament. Traditional arts and crafts items will be available for purchase, and there will be delicious Albanian foods and beverages for sale.
Each year, the Albanian-American community of the NY-NJ-CT area honors its traditions and heritage in a colorful celebration of Albanian music, traditional dance, and food at its annual Albanian Heritage Day, held at the Kensico Dam Plaza, a 98 acre park, located in Westchester County’s Valhalla, NY. This event is presented by the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation, and the Mother Teresa Center at Our Lady of Shkodra Church.
This annual event is a tribute to Albanian culture, including traditional Albanian clothing, unique Albanian musical instruments and a rare opportunity to listen to and view a variety of Albanian music and dance, as well as eat traditional Albanian food. Entertainment will be provided by popular Albanian singers and dancers. In addition, it is a fun filled family event, combining sports and children’s activities with a picnic atmosphere.
The Albanian Heritage Day celebration is sponsored by Westchester County Parks and the Mother Teresa Center of Our Lady of Shkodra Church.