24 June is recognized as the International Day of Balkan Egyptians in memory of the first assembly of Balkan Egyptians held in Ohrid, North Macedonia on 24 June 1990. Since October 2017, Egyptians in Albania are recognized as a national minority according to the framework law on “Protection of National Minorities in the Republic of Albania”.

To celebrate the 24th June, the joint European Union/Council of Europe ROMACTED programme, supported the Municipality of Permet in preparing a documentary and an online concert named “In the steps of the great masters”. The initiative is part of the ROMACTED small scheme grants provided to the Municipality of Permet and is implemented by the Multifunctional Association for Culture, Education and Development.

It aims at promoting and passing down to generations the tradition and culture of the Egyptian minority. This concert builds upon the cultural heritage of the Egyptian minority in the Municipality of Permet, being the hometown of the national Albanian folk personalities and transmitting this to the young generation. The provision of the 10 folk costumes and 9 musical equipments (by the ROMACTED programme to the Children Cultural Center in Permet) and the commitment of the municipality of Permet as an institutional partner will enable young talents to develop their artistic skills and build a socially inclusive local society. On the other hand, the documentary draw attention to challenges faced by the Egyptian minority in Albania in particular concerning access to housing, education, employment and public services at local level. The implementation of the local action plans for the Integration of the Roma and Egyptian Minorities through responsive budgeting, prepared with the support of ROMACTED programme would translate the foreseen actions into tangible results in a medium term.

The full documentary and concert can be accessed HERE.