Home » Blog » The top 10 Agricultural Fests and Fairs in Albania
The agricultural sector constitutes an important part of the Albania’s economy and contributes over 20% to the country’s GDP. Many small scale farmers supply local markets as well as fruit and vegetable shops, or grow their products and breed livestock to feed themselves and their families.A very noticeably side effect of this is that, once you are travelling through Albania, you will find the most delicious, fresh, and seasonal fruit and vegetables used and sold in local supermarkets, shops and restaurants. The economical value of agriculture is also reflected socially and culturally – for example in the many small fests that are celebrated every year throughout Albania for the harvest of certain crops or themed around other agricultural products or the keeping of livestock.If you are travelling to Albania in summer or autumn, visiting one of these fests is an absolute must! You will have the chance to taste delicious food products, and learn about their growth and production. Usually, the fests also involve performances of local musicians or dance groups, which provides a great insight into Albanian folkloric culture and traditions; and, last but not least, are such small fests often accompanied by fairs – the perfect opportunity to purchase some authentic, locally sourced and produced souvenirs.
Honey Fest (Kukes)
Kukes is known for its honey production. This is why once a year, a fest is organized in celebration of the delicious goodness. The fest also includes a fair in which visitors can purchase many different kinds of honey and a wide variety of honey products.
Potato Fest (Stebleva)
The “Potato Fest” is an important event for the local community since it promotes one of the most famous products of the area: the Stebleva Potato. Part of the program is a fair where the best potatoes and potato products are offered, the preparation and savoring of various potato dishes, and the presentation of traditional folk songs and dances by the artist group of the “Pallatit te kultures” (The Palace of Culture) from Librazhd.
Cherry Fest (Verzhezhe)
The village of Verzhezhe is the main producer of cherries in Skrapar. The Cherry Fest aims to better connect farmers to both the regional and national markets, thereby empowering them to sell their products at the best possible prices. For visitors, the fest provides opportunities to join the cherry harvest for a while, purchase cherries and cherry-based products in a small market, or enjoy different cultural activities.
Tomato Fest (Shengjergj)
Tomatoes will be the main topic of the festivities that are organized from September 22-23 in Shengjergj, and visitors have the opportunity to learn everything about the farming process – from planting the first seedlings to harvesting the ripe fruit. In the evening, a folk concert takes place to celebrate and promote the local culture
Olive Fest (Himara)
The Olive Fest in Himara starts in the morning with a fair where visitors can purchase a variety of organic products and olive cultivators offer different experiences related to their trade. Later that day, different teams will compete in a rope pulling championship to win the popular “Olive Branch”-Cup. The program also includes performances of traditional songs and dances, and other sports competitions such as swimming, canoeing and volleyball.
This is only a small selection of fests themed around food, agriculture, and animal husbandry. If you interested in visiting one of these or a similar festival, browse through our offers for more information or contact us directly.
Tip: This is only a small selection of fests themed around food, agriculture, and animal husbandry. If you are interested in visiting one of these or a similar festival, browse through our offers for more information or contact us directly.
