Inclusion Festival (Albanian Festival / Festa Shqiptare)

The Inclusion Festival in Tollo

The Inclusion Festival, also known as the Albanian Festival or Festa Shqiptare, is a summer event held in the town of Tollo, in the province of Chieti, in the heart of Abruzzo. Created to give voice and visibility to the large Albanian community living and working in the village, the event transforms the town center into a place of celebration, exchange, and mutual discovery between those who arrived from afar and those born among the Tollo vineyards.

A community telling its story

For years, Tollo has been a model of integration: a significant portion of its residents comes from Albania and has found a second home here, contributing to the social, economic, and agricultural life of the town, particularly in the wine sector, which is the soul of the region. The Inclusion Festival stems from this intertwining of stories and serves as a mutual gesture of gratitude: the Albanian community opens its doors to its traditions, and the entire town embraces them as part of its own identity.

Balkan music, dance, and flavors

The heart of the evening features live music and traditional Albanian dances, with the vibrant colors of traditional costumes and rhythms that invite everyone to join in the circle dances. Gastronomy is also a highlight: typical dishes and desserts from Albanian and Balkan cuisine are prepared and shared, offering visitors a true journey into the flavors of the other side of the Adriatic. The festival recalls the memory of the ancient Arbëreshë communities that, starting in the 15th century, brought Albanian culture to many areas of Southern Italy and Abruzzo.

A summer event in Tollo

The festival is part of Tollo's rich summer calendar, which accompanies the town from May to October with food festivals, historical re-enactments, performances, and culinary events like the famous Tollo Wine Festival. Organized by the Municipality of Tollo together with the Pro Loco Tolle Me, the Inclusion Festival is free to attend and represents one of the most heartfelt moments of the summer, bringing together locals and visitors around the idea that diversity is a treasure to be experienced together.

The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced: the event is confirmed in the Municipality's "Sorsi d'Estate 2026" calendar as an intercultural event for the month of June, but the detailed program will be communicated closer to the event.