Albanian culture celebrated at harvest festival in Shepparton

Event co-ordinator Reg Qemal said it was a great turnout, with visitors coming from as far as Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney.

“It brought the whole Albanian community across Australia together,” Mr Qemal said.

“The dancing groups were the highlight, especially seeing the young kids all dressed up.

“That’s what keeps culture going through to next generations."

Dance displays included the Melbourne Eagle Folk Dance group, the local Shepparton Albanian community adult dancers and dancers from the local children’s Albanian school.

The festival also had markets selling local produce and traditional cuisine.

Now in its 27th year, Mr Qemel said the harvest festival had humble beginnings.

“The idea to get Albanian communities together came from the late Jim Wymer,” he said.

“It’s the volunteers who make the event … there’s over 100 volunteers required to put on a festival like this.”

The festival is one of the largest community-run events in Greater Shepparton.