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Cloud Festival, also known as the Festival of REJA, has become a beloved tradition – a one-of-a-kind event in the heart of Tirana that blends “tradition and modernity” like no other since its debut in 2017. The 9th edition, just like before, brings 11 nights in a row of rich, colorful, and intercultural programming from May 21 to May 31. The area inside and around the REJA installation will turn into an open-air artistic venue – a free cultural experience for locals and international visitors of all ages. More than 100 local and international artists will come together to create an unforgettable experience for the audience.

What can you expect this year?
The festival opens on May 21 with the contemporary dance performance “A Thousand Suns” by Oktawia Ścibior & Samory Ba (France), followed by the sounds of Azerbaijani traditional music – Mugham – coming to Tirana for the very first time, performed by the renowned Mansum Ibrahimov and the Garabagh Ensemble.

Over the following days, the program explores everything from the best of traditional Albanian music – from north to south, including the Shkodra aheng, lab poliphony, and Kruja folk songs by the “Elders of Kruja” – to ethno-jazz, psychedelic blues, and rebetiko, the iconic music of Greece. All this is mixed with contemporary dance, workshops, visual performances, and artistic installations. Artists from Azerbaijan, Canada, France, North Macedonia, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Austria, Mexico, and Greece will bring pieces of their creativity to REJA’s spaces.

Highlights not to miss:

• May 22: “Gjakova Gathering” with musical groups Hadi Bajrami, Edi Furra & Lirikët, and Rilindja
• May 24: Flamenco workshop and a Mediterranean-inspired concert by Shamba-Sol-Buco
• May 26: A classical-pop night with the REJA Choir presenting “I Have a Dream, A Song to Sing” – a tribute from Beethoven to ABBA
• May 28: Nordic soundscapes with Fågelle and “Psychedelic World Blues” by POLA!
• May 30: A special Greek music night featuring guest singer Katerina Tsiridou
• May 31: A grand finale with the high energy of Mariachi Romatitlán from Mexico and the experimental performance “Around the Table” by Peter Miyalu

Inclusion, diversity, and creativity
Cloud Fest’s mission is about learning and exchange, involving the public in the creative process and offering space for fun and educational activities, from on-stage roller skating workshops to interactive public painting with social messages.

One of this year’s most inclusive events is “Cloud’s Rainbow – Pre Parade” on May 24, a celebration dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community and the culture of diversity.

Cloud Fest is more than a festival – it’s a celebration of urban life, a shared space where art and people come together to inspire each other and celebrate different cultures and artistic genres.

As always: Free entry!
REJA is the place, and Cloud Fest is the celebration you don’t want to miss – every evening from May 21 to May 31.