In no other Albanian city does what happens in Gjakova happen: the singer starts the song and the entire hall sings every verse together. “Only in Gjakova,” say the artists, and it seems they are right.
On a recent evening, the Tirana–Tirona All Stars band, led by Edit Pula, brought civic songs from Tirana, Elbasan, and Kavaja to an audience that kept up with the rhythm with applause and sang every word of the old melodies – songs that even many 30–40 year olds in Tirana would find unfamiliar.
Gjakova lives with music. Its music school has more students than the Tirana Lyceum, and the tradition of singing continues in every generation. At the afterparty, singers from Tirana mingled with local artists and danced until the early hours of the morning, just like every weekend in Gjakova.
Historically, the city has had the eyes and heart of Tirana and Shkodra and is often referred to as “the most Albanian limb cut from the trunk of Albania.” Today, Gjakova is experiencing an impressive cultural revival.
On November 15, world-renowned soprano Ermonela Jaho sang through tears in front of an equally emotional audience. On November 21, the Gjakova singer Petrit Çarkaxhiu of Jericho abandoned rock for a spiritual and mystical performance. Meanwhile, during the afternoons, Artan Fuga and a week earlier Erald Kapri held philosophical and historical discussions that attracted dozens of young people and intellectuals.
Authentic Albanian music, intellectual panels, extraordinary hospitality, traditional cuisine, and nights that end only when the light comes on — Gjakova is becoming the most original destination for those who want to experience Albanian authenticity.
