10 Events Not to Miss in May

May, when spring is in full bloom and summer around the corner, may just be the most exciting time of the year! Music and outdoor festivals rightfully populate our list of top events to attend this month. Read our suggestions below and mark your calendars!

1. Cellomania – Cello Festival, arTurbina, May 2^nd, Tirana

A cello festival where you can hear a very rich repertoire, starting from baroque and romantic musical styles and concluding with tango sounds! Expect musical pieces from Boismortier, Offenbach, Joplin, Lachner, Fitzenhagen and other similarly renowned composers on May 2^nd at 7 PM on the arTurbina stage.

Official poster of the event.

2. “Leaves of Grass” International Cultural Festival, National Historical Museum, May 3^rd-6^th, Tirana

Literature has always served as an agent of change, an attempt to make society aware of its many challenges. The “Leaves of Grass” Festival aims to create new forms of education and an increased sensitization towards nature, land, the beauty around us, which need to be preserved and maintained through other, less destructive approaches. The festival will include book promotions, open readings and lectures, gastronomic shows, and musical performances, among many other activities.

Official poster of the event.

3. Street Art Festival, former Radio Tirana building, May 5^th, Tirana

On May 5^th, from 10 AM until midnight, artists of different disciplines will hold surprise performances in the Kont Urani Street! The event is held under the framework of the preservation of the Cultural Monument formerly known as the building of Radio Tirana.

Official poster of the event.

4. UNUM Pre-Party, Loco Dice, Mother Teresa Square, Tirana

Before officially commencing on May 31^st, UNUM Festival will heat up the atmosphere in Tirana with a wild pre-party in Mother Teresa square, featuring the renowned electronic music DJ Loco Dice. It starts at 10 PM on Friday evening and is expected to last until the early hours of the morning. Get ready!

Official poster of the event.

5. Food & Drink Festival, 4^th Edition, May 10^th-12^th, Tirana

This event is expected to gather thousands of food lovers, especially those who love creative gastronomical concoctions as well as recent local and international culinary innovations. From chef competitions to wine tastings from some of the best restaurants and wineries in the country, you will get to enjoy plenty of things in this delicious event.

Official poster of the event.

6. Quartetto di Cremona – “250 Years Since Beethoven’s Birthday”, University of Arts, May 14^th, Tirana

On the occasion of what would have been Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250^th birthday, the Cremona Quartet will perform some of the German composer’s most famous pieces. The performance begins at 7 PM and is supported by the Italian Institute of Culture. For more information, click here.

Quartetto di Cremona, photo source: facebook.com.

7. Colour Day Festival, 2^nd Edition, May 18^th, Tirana

After last year’s great success, Colour Day Festival returns to Mother Teresa Square this spring. Thousands of participants will transform the entire square into their collective canvas, painting it with colors as they dance and play games for an afternoon of pure entertainment. For more information, visit the festival’s official page.

Official poster of the event.

8. “Angels of America,” arTurbina, all month long, Tirana

When first staged in the U.S in the early 90s, “Angels of America” took the theater world by storm. Tony Kushner’s drama went on to win Tony awards and a Pulitzer for its bold confrontation of the period’s most taboo issues and its powerful echo continues to make its global rounds to this day! It finally comes to Albania this month at ArtTurbina, under the direction of Arben Kumbaro, interpretation by actors Luiza Xhuvani, Vasjan Lami, Helidon Fino, Genti Deçka, Donald Shehu, Laert Vasili, Indrit Çobani, Ina Gjonçi and Luli Bitri, choreography by Kozata Bakiu, and music by Endri Sina. For tickets, call + 04 222 30 22 from 9 AM to 1 PM and from 4 to 7 PM.

Official poster of the event.

9. Tedi Papavrami & François–Frédéric Guy, Orthodox Cathedral Auditorium, May 13^th, Tirana

One of the most locally and internationally celebrated Albanian violinists, Papavrami will be joined by François-Frédéric Guy on the piano for a stellar performance of Beethoven’s 2^nd, 7^th and 10^th sonatas. The performance begins at 7 PM in the Auditorium of the Orthodox Cathedral. For tickets, call +355 674055500.

Official poster of the event.

10. UNUM Festival, “Rana e Hedhun” Beach, May 31^st-June 3^rd, Shëngjin

This electronic music festival will bring more than 60 DJs from around the globe to the beautiful beaches of Shëngjin. More than 10 thousand participants are expected to join the electronic/techno party this year. Some of the most recognizable names are Joseph Capriati, Luciano and Ricardo Villalobo but there will be plenty of amazing new talents, as well. Under the shade of the fresh pines, surrounded by views of the sea and mountains, and with a boat party floating around throughout the entire event, fun is guaranteed! Click here for more.

UNUM FESTIVAL Guests.