TIRANA, July 27 /ATA/ – The fifth edition of the Porto Palermo Festival began Saturday with a powerful message of environmental awareness, as over 150 volunteers and divers joined a coastal and underwater cleanup near the historic castle site.

Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, took to social media on Sunday to share photos showing activities as part of the initiative, highlighting its significance.

“Cleaning the sea and surrounding area is more than a physical task - it’s an act of awareness, a message of love for nature, and a promise for the future,” Gonxhja said.

Beyond its musical performances, the festival also aims to promote sustainable cultural tourism in Albania, combining artistic expression with environmental responsibility.

Each year, the festival brings together world-class artists and international audiences who come not only for the performances but also to explore the historical surroundings.

The event takes place inside the Porto Palermo Castle, one of Albania’s most beautiful historic and cultural heritage sites, built in the early 19th century by Ottoman Albanian ruler Ali Pasha of Tepelena as a gift for his wife, Vasiliqia.

The fortress’s distinctive architecture reflects both craftsmanship and strategic ingenuity. From its towers and thick stone walls, visitors enjoy sweeping views where the sea and sky merge on the horizon.

/u.sh/