Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula has called for the preservation of the traditional “Darka e Lamës” celebration, emphasizing the values of gratitude, solidarity, hospitality and respect for hard work.
The traditional event was held under her patronage, with Shiroka Pula addressing attendees and highlighting its cultural significance in Albanian society.
She described Darka e Lamës as a tradition that connects the land with people, work with gratitude, and the home with guests.
The president explained that, in Albanian tradition, the end of the harvest and the gathering of agricultural produce marked a special occasion. After months of work in the fields, families and neighbors would gather around a shared table to express gratitude for the fruits of their labor.
Shiroka Pula stressed that abundance is not simply the result of fertile land and farmers’ efforts, but also represents solidarity among people and the generosity of a welcoming home.
She recalled that, in Albanian tradition, the host’s home is also the guest’s home. A table prepared for others symbolizes hospitality, while sharing bread reflects respect and trust.
The president also recalled that in 2002, former President Ibrahim Rugova elevated the tradition to an institutional level, turning it into a symbol of gratitude for Kosovo’s land and its people.
Concluding her remarks, Shiroka Pula urged people to keep the tradition alive and pass its values on to future generations.
“Let us keep Darka e Lamës alive, along with the values it represents: gratitude, solidarity, hospitality and respect for the work of our people,” she said.
