Literature between us: Reading festival in Pustec Municipality
The Literature Between Us – Reading Festival held in Pustec on November 26th , 2024, marked the culmination of the “Beyond Boundaries: Empowering Youth through Reading and Literature” project. The festival united teachers and students from “Car Samoil” High School in Resen, North Macedonia, and the youth of Pustec Municipality to celebrate the rich literary traditions of Albanian and Macedonian communities. Through bilingual readings, academic presentations, and cultural exchange, the event highlighted the transformative power of literature in fostering understanding and unity. The opening session began with a welcome speech from Mr. Eris Rusi, president of the Literary and Cultural Activism Association. He emphasized the critical role of literature in facilitating communication and empathy between cultures, describing it as a bridge that connects people through shared stories and emotions. Mr. Rusi highlighted the project’s success in demonstrating how literature can foster meaningful connections, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.
Following Mr. Rusi, Ms. Flutura Brakaj, RYCO’s representative in Albania, addressed the audience. She spoke about RYCO’s support for the project, reflecting on its success in uniting youth through art and literature. Ms. Brakaj underscored the importance of educating young people to love art and literature, viewing these as powerful tools for building understanding and unity across borders. Representatives from “Car Samoil” High School in Resen also shared their reflections, highlighting the project’s impact on their students, who gained a deeper appreciation for Albanian literature and culture.
The literary portion of the festival featured engaging readings in both Albanian and Macedonian. Macedonian works by Blaze Koneski and Koco Racin were recited, focusing on themes of nature, identity, and connection. Albanian students presented the works of Ismail Kadare and Skender Rusi, whose poetry touched on universal themes of resilience, love, and cultural pride. These bilingual readings created a vibrant exchange of ideas, fostering mutual appreciation and understanding among the participants.
Academic presentations added depth to the event. Dr. Iliri Shyta from Fan S. Noli University gave a compelling talk on “Sterjo Spasse and the Literature that Unites Cultures,” exploring Spasse’s role as a bridge between Albanian and Macedonian literary traditions. Associated Professor Jonela Spaho followed with her presentation, “Worlds in Contact: Albanian and Macedonian Cultures in Interaction,” delving into the intercultural dynamics reflected in both literatures and their ability to foster dialogue and empathy.
The festival’s highlight was the reading of excerpts from Sterjo Spasse’s novel “Why.” Students and young participants brought the text to life with their heartfelt interpretations, illuminating the novel’s enduring relevance in exploring themes of identity, belonging, and human connection. The event concluded with reflections from the organizers, who reiterated the significance of art and literature in promoting unity and understanding. Guests then gathered for a coctail, where conversations continued in an informal setting, strengthening the connections formed during the festival.
