National Children's Theatre Festival (Berat)Festivali Mbarëkombëtar i Teatrit për Fëmijë

This is an annual national theatre festival for children held in Berat’s cultural center. It is a multi-day program (usually at the beginning of June) where talented youth theatre troupes from around Albania perform plays aimed at young audiences. Performances range from fairy-tale adaptations to original pieces, staged primarily at the Pasha’s Gate venue (Porta e Pashait). The event transforms Porta e Pashait into an open-air theater space, with kids as the primary audience, and include juried competitions and awards. The festival spotlights Albania’s tradition of puppetry and children’s theatre, giving insight into how cultural values and stories are passed to younger generations. Alumni from various cities have participated, fostering nationwide connections among theatre schools. 1

In Albanian tradition, storytelling and drama for youth are valued (there is a long history of puppet theater). This festival continues that by focusing on children’s performances. It coincides with International Children’s Day and local spring celebrations. It is often timed near the end of the school year, engaging Berati’s students and families. The festival is organized by the municipal Cultural Center and features local art schools as hosts. It underscores the community’s investment in arts education and provides children an early experience of theatrical culture, reflecting Berat’s cultural focus on youth development 1.