In a special ceremony organized today in the Arbëresh municipality of Frascineto, Italy, the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, was awarded the “Gjergj Kastrioti-Skënderbeu” award. This award was given to the President by the mayor of this municipality, Mr. Angelo Catapano.
The president emphasized that Frascineto is known in Albanian culture as a place where, along with Maki and other Arbëresh areas, the idea of national renaissance and the history of our national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti, have been protected.
“Frascineto”, said President Osmani, “has given the literature of Albanian culture outstanding personalities and works, which are the foundations of our cultural and literary values. Vincenco Dorsa, Bernard Bilota, Vora Ujko and many other personalities are an important part of our cultural and literary treasure.”
Further, President Osmani said that the visit to Calabria signifies the deep gratitude that we have for everything that the people of Arbëresh have given to the culture of their ethnic origin, but also to the host country, Italy. The cultural and linguistic identity of Arbëresh is part of Albanian identity and culture. Therefore, its Arbëresh preservation is vital for our culture.
“We have encouraged the institutions of Kosovo and I would like to discuss with Arbëresh municipalities the possibility of designing projects for the preservation of linguistic heritage and cultural traditions, through the recording and publication of what is known in contemporary science as oral memory”, said President Osmani.
On this same day, President Osmani, together with the mayor of the municipality of Frascineto, Mr. Katapano inaugurated the “Kosova” square, in the city of Frascineto. The president emphasized that the inauguration of the square bearing the name of Kosovo is proof of maintaining the deep relations that we have traditionally cultivated with the Arbëresh municipalities.
We will continue to stay close to our Arbëresh people, so that they can preserve and further cultivate the Arbëresh language, traditions and culture”, emphasized the President.
