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- Masked parades and traditional costumes — Rows of people in handmade masks and outrageous costumes wind through Korçë’s streets. It’s the visual heart of the festival: raw, local, slightly weird and absolutely photogenic. The masks blend folk ritual and showmanship, so you get a sense of old customs being lived rather than staged. (Personal favorite — there’s nothing like being squeezed into the front row as a procession clatters past.)
- Brass bands and live street music — Loud, celebratory music fills every corner: brass sections, percussion, and local singers converting the pavements into a dance floor. The music mixes traditional Albanian melodies with upbeat, modern rhythms, so even if you don’t speak the language you’ll find yourself stepping in time.
- Street theatre and satirical performances
- Masked parades and traditional costumes — Rows of people in handmade masks and outrageous costumes wind through Korçë’s streets. It’s the visual heart of the festival: raw, local, slightly weird and absolutely photogenic. The masks blend folk ritual and showmanship, so you get a sense of old customs being lived rather than staged. (Personal favorite — there’s nothing like being squeezed into the front row as a procession clatters past.)
- Brass bands and live street music — Loud, celebratory music fills every corner: brass sections, percussion, and local singers converting the pavements into a dance floor. The music mixes traditional Albanian melodies with upbeat, modern rhythms, so even if you don’t speak the language you’ll find yourself stepping in time.
- Street theatre and satirical performances — Expect short, improvisational sketches, parodies and theatrical bits that poke fun at politics, local life and human foibles. It’s playful, often cheeky, and very much a crowd-participation scene — people shout back, heckle, and laugh together. It keeps the festival from feeling like a passive spectacle.
- Local food stalls and warming tavern vibes — Carnival days are cold, and the best parts are the food stands and cozy cafés handing out hearty bites and hot drinks. You’ll find classic Albanian comfort food and, notably, Korçë beer on tap — perfect for chasing away the chill between parades and shows.
- Workshops, artisan stalls and hands-on activities — There are mask-making corners, costume try-ons, and small craft stalls run by locals. It’s a chance to learn how a mask is built, try a bell or costume on, and leave with a little handmade souvenir. These quieter, interactive moments make the whole festival feel accessible rather than touristy.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.