The Living Heritage of Vallja

For more than five centuries, every Easter, the Arbëresh villages in Italy come alive and burst with color through the Vallja — a series of vibrant activities that weave history, pride, and tradition through the streets. The most anticipated celebration, the Festa e Valles, is more than a festivity; it is a living memory, a tribute to heritage, and a poetic expression of identity. Born in the 15th century, the Vallja commemorates one of the greatest victories of the national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, against the Ottomans, on Easter Tuesday of 1467. It intertwines ritual with resilience, keeping alive the spirit of a people who have never forgotten their roots.