The international month of love offers a beautiful bouquet of events and activities that make it as sweet and interesting as can be. 2020 is a leap year so make sure to enjoy that extra day this year!

1. “Metrosounds 2 – A Tale of the Mediterranean,” Metropol Theater, Tirana, February 1^st, 6^th, 13^th, 15^th, 20^th

Metrosounds Music Fest returns with its second edition, focused on Mediterranean identity and belonging. The festival’s opening show was on February 1^st with Duoud, with northern African beats. On the next dates, get ready to experience music from Robert Bisha, Linda Rukaj, the Folklore Ensemble of Tirana and Antonio Forcione, who closes the music festival in style. Don’t miss it!

2. Movie Night – “The Delegation,” Europa House, Tirana, February 5^th

“The Delegation,” the highly-acclaimed film directed by Bujar Alimani, will be screened at Europa House on Feb 5^th at 1:00 P.M. Bujar Alimani is an important Albanian director of some of the country’s best movies, with “Amnesty” being one of the most internationally critically-acclaimed. After the film, there will be a Q&A session with famous actor Ndriçim Xhepa.

3. A tour of the “Tirana Patience” Exhibit, National Gallery of Arts, Tirana, February 6^th

The popular “Tirana Patience” exhibit continues to stay open the first week of February.  As part of their Public Program, the Gallery of Arts invites you on an informative, dual-language tour (in Albanian and English) of this fascinating exhibit. If you’ve been waiting to see it, this is your best opportunity!

4. “World Press Photo Exhibition 2019,” National Museum of History, Tirana, February 6^th-26^th

This especially interesting exhibit showcases the best journalistic photos of 2019. It is a great way of going through recent history via an aesthetically captivating journey. Founded in 1955, World Press Photo is a global platform created by several Dutch photographers in order to share their work with an international audience. Mark your calendars!

5. “Galaxy” Theater Performance, National Theater, Tirana, February 7^th, 8^th, 9^th

The second weekend of February brings an adaptation of British director Howard Barker’s play “Galaxy” at the National Theater. Directed by Rovena Lule Kuka, the play includes a wonderful cast of actors and is meant to offer a fresh perspective on the play. “Galaxy” is hailed as one of Barker’s best plays. Don’t miss seeing Lule Kuka’s adaptation to the Albanian stage.

6. Sud Sound System, A Night of Music Celebrating Bob Marley’s 75th birthday, Tunel, Tirana, February 7th 

7. Run Against Corruption, Ministry of Justice, Tirana, February 8^th

Organized by the EU delegation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, this activity is part of the “Week of Integrity.” The second edition of Run Against Corruption aims at the establishment of transparent governing bodies in Albania. All those interested may enroll here.

8. Promotion of“Albanian Alps From The Air” by Alket Islami, Adrion Bookstore, Tirana, February 10^th

On this date, Alket Islami presents his sixth volume of aerial photography. This particular volume focuses on the awe-inspiring Albanian Alps, more specifically, the eastern part. Alket has expressed that capturing the beauty that stands between the mythological and the majestic is his aim with this particular collection. For all those interested, plan to be at Adrion at 6:00 P.M on the 10^th!

9. Winter Festival in Prespë, Pustec, February 22^nd

The unique Winter Festival returns to Prespë for another edition. Slowly becoming an established tradition, this festival aims at promoting the natural and cultural values of the gorgeous Prespë region. The event is an ideal excuse to escape the city’s noise and enjoy delicious traditional foods surrounded by a gorgeous natural setting.

10.“Home,” music by the Illyria Trio, Alliance for the Protection of the National Theatre, February 23^rd

The Illyria Trio is an Italian-Albanian band whose music combines elements of Albanian folklore and classical music. The band includes singer Hersi Matmuja, cellist Jacopo Conoci, and accordion player, Andi Zeka. The three are coming to Albania expressly for their show entitled “Home,” set in the historic building of the National Theatre.