Today marked a significant milestone in the preservation and celebration of Albanian heritage as three new monuments honoring the national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, were unveiled in the Arbëreshë communities of Calabria: San Sofia, San Basile, and Zangarona. Almost every village center within these communities proudly hosts a bust of the national hero, serving as a symbol that keeps the Arbëreshë identity alive and vibrant.
 |
| The three busts of Skanderbeg in the South of Italy, screenshot modifications |
In this context, the inauguration ceremony held today brought together the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, Arbëreshë residents, local authorities, Albanians from Albania who migrated post the 1990s, as well as dignitaries from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Italy.
President Bajram Begaj, who graciously donated two busts to the Arbëreshë communities, expressed his gratitude to the attendees, particularly acknowledging the presence of the youth and children at this national celebration. "I have come to fulfill the promise I made to you last October because for us Albanians, a promise is not a myth but a reality," President Begaj emphasized during the inauguration ceremony of Skanderbeg's bust.
"This is my second visit to Calabria, and this visit fills me with pride because all Italian institutions, starting from the president of the Calabria region, the prefects of these municipalities, and the entire media, have shown interest and promoted everything related to Arbëria. Certainly, the Arbëria and Albania project, now including Kosovo and Albanians living in North Macedonia or Montenegro, will have a healthy foundation to develop their relationships."
President Begaj highlighted that these relationships would not be where they are today if six centuries ago our ancestors had forgotten their roots, hence emphasizing, "It is time to say thank you to all of you, one by one, and to all Arbëreshë communities for what you have done to preserve the Arbëreshë language, for what you have done to transmit our national identity through clothing, traditions, and our culture."
The head of state emphasized his commitment to continue providing assistance, inspired by the Arbëreshë model of valuing and promoting history, crucial for preserving identity amidst the challenges of our time.
As Skanderbeg's monuments stand tall in the heart of Arbëreshë communities, they serve not only as a tribute to a heroic past but also as a beacon of hope for a united and resilient future, where Albanian heritage thrives in all its glory. Today, we honor Skanderbeg not just with monuments but with a collective commitment to uphold the values and ideals he stood for, ensuring that his legacy remains eternal in the annals of Albanian history.