Worcester’s Albanian Festival came together this year over the weekend of June 5th – 7th at Saint Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church. The festival celebrated the culture and tradition of Worcester’s large Albanian community.
Konstantina Lukes, Worcester’s first Albanian-American mayor, was among the many festival goers in attendance.
Activities included a flea market, a raffle, a carnival and magic show, and traditional Albanian food and baked goods. A tour of the church, lead by one of Saint Mary’s priests, explained to festival goers the significance of an interior almost entirely covered in Icons, paintings depicting religious scenes. A dance troupe from St. Mary’s Church performed traditional costumed dance, several numbers of which involved pulling audience members onto the floor. Dancing and music continued into the evening.
Festival updates can be found at http://www.albanianfestival.org.
A local priest explained the significance of ritual at Saint Mary's and of the interior
Icons comprised the whole interior of the church
