Albanian Poetry Day (Gostivar)Dita e Poezisë Shqipe

"Dita e Poezisë Shqipe" is a yearly literary event held in Gostivar, commemorating Kosovo’s independence and honoring poet Sefer Selimi. Organized by the municipal Youth Council, it culminates a poetry contest among young writers (ages 15-25) from across Macedonia. The event features readings and an award ceremony for contest winners. It celebrates Albanian literary culture by bringing together local youth poets and audiences. For example, the third edition (in 2016) was attended by over 50 young poets from all over the country, and performances and awards took place at the cinema in City Center Gostivar 1. Local news calls it a traditional manifestation, indicating it has become part of Gostivar’s cultural calendar 2. It provides insight into the community’s respect for poetry and language, though it is a relatively intimate event.

"Day of Albanian Poetry" is tied to February 17 (Kosovo Independence Day) and the anniversary of poet Sefer Selimi’s death. It symbolizes the Albanian community’s cultural pride in Macedonia. The Youth Council and municipality support the contest and event each year. The festival encourages young people to write in Albanian and keeps alive the tradition of public poetry recitation. Over time it has become a modest festival-like occasion, combining a competition with a public evening of poetry. It underscores the importance of the Albanian language in a multiethnic city like Gostivar.