4-15 February, The Shkodër Carnival
In Shkodër, the Carnival is more than just a festival — the city itself comes alive, speaking through colors, costumes, and masks. It is personified through satire, humor, and the parade, which has always been and remains a free expression of thought and imagination.
The Shkodër Carnival has deep-rooted civic traditions. As early as the late 19th century, the festival was embraced as a way to express humor, creativity, and joy. Tradita GT was among the first to revive and sustain this celebration, making it a vital part of the city’s cultural identity. Influenced by European traditions, particularly Italian and Venetian, Shkodër gave the Carnival its own unique character — no longer a borrowed celebration, but one truly its own.
Masks — symbols of freedom and imagination
Masks are more than decoration; they are tools for breaking barriers and freeing the spirit. Behind a mask, citizens can laugh, satirize, play roles, and express themselves without fear. In collaboration with VeniceArt Manifactury, during the festive nights, animators wearing masks create a magical and humorous atmosphere, giving the city a lively and playful spirit.
A tradition interrupted and revived
Like many other traditions, the Carnival was interrupted during the communist period. But after the 1990s, it gradually returned, reclaiming its place in Shkodër’s cultural life. Today, the Carnival is a celebration that brings together citizens, artists, families, and visitors, transforming the city into an open stage where everyone can freely express themselves.
The Carnival today
Today, the Shkodër Carnival is open to everyone. The costume parades, music, smiles, and lighthearted satire turn the city into a place where tradition meets the present. Through the Carnival, Shkodër shows its most welcoming, creative, and human side.
The Carnival is more than just a festival. It is a reminder that joy, art, satire, and freedom of expression are part of our identity. Every year, it invites us to experience the city differently — with more colors, more smiles, and more spirit.
