President Begaj continues his tour in Calabria with visits to the Arbëresh villages of San Martino di Finita, San Benedetto Ullano, and Cerzeto
Today, the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bajram Begaj, continued his tour in Calabria with visits to Arbëresh villages previously unvisited by Albanian presidents.
San Martino di Finita, San Benedetto Ullano, and Cerzeto were the three additional municipalities in the Province of Cosenza that hosted the Head of State today.
In the square of San Martino di Finita, marked by an entrance featuring a double-headed eagle, local leaders and residents, including Arbëresh and Albanians who arrived after the 90s, warmly welcomed him. Beyond its preserved architecture, San Martino di Finita also archives its ancient past in the local library.
President Begaj visited the library and the church built by the Arbëresh in the early 16th century, conveying a message of continuing tradition to promote this historical treasure.
“This is a request made to the Calabrian Arbëresh Foundation to visit all Arbëresh municipalities, tied to the opportunity to meet together, listen to one another, and address all feasible needs and issues you might have”, emphasized President Begaj from San Martino di Finita, expressing his belief that following his pioneering visit, other dignitaries will continue this exchange of ideas and visions for a shared future.
“I believe after my first visit we achieved something. Rai Calabria now has a program in Arbëresh”, stated President Begaj, who promised further projects aimed at the youth, as they will inherit and promote the values of Arbëria and the nation.
Subsequently, President Begaj visited the ancient town of San Benedetto Ullano, where locals in traditional costumes welcomed him and accompanied him on his visits to the Palazzo Bisciglia Museum, which houses every document of the first Arbëresh settlers in these regions, and the church built by the Rodota family, originally from Shkodra.
“I am here to thank you for all the nourishment you provide daily to patriotism, starting with the protection and use of the Arbëresh language, and shown every day through your stories and the recent projects you have developed to continue addressing Arbëria’s history”, expressed President Begaj, appreciating the “Le Porte Narranti” project in San Benedetto Ullano, with its painted ancient doors that preserve the Arbëresh identity, history, and language.
