Tirana, Albania—Thousands of Albanians attended a festival called "The Family as the School of Love” that was held in two cities in appreciation of International Day of Families 2022.
The Albanian chapters of UPF and its affiliated organization Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) held the festival in Vlora on May 11 and in Fier on May 12.
The theme of the two-day outdoor festival was true family values, which was expressed in speeches, music and dance, a march through the streets of the city, and releasing lanterns while praying.
Close to 3,000 people attended the festival in each of the two cities.
The first part of the program alternated speeches with entertainment.
H.E. Alfred Moisiu, the former president of Albania (2002-2007), delivered a speech in both Vlora and Fier in which he emphasized the importance of strong families to build a strong nation.
Manjola and Gabor Vasmatics, the national leaders of FFWPU-Albania, called on Albanians to protect their nation’s family culture as a precious heritage. They urged the audience to vow to practice fidelity within marriage and purity before marriage as the best way to build healthy families and a healthy nation.
National and local UPF chairs gave heartfelt messages quoting the words of the UPF founders, which were well received by the crowds.
Popular singers and young local talents performed. There were scenic backgrounds where families could have photos made, places where children could play with balloons or have their face painted, and a book table that sold the UPF founders’ autobiographies.
As the second part of the event, the participants were invited to march down the main boulevard of the city holding the banner “The Family as the School of Love.”
The event concluded with the releasing of lanterns into the sky while sending prayers and wishes for healthy families and a model nation.
The event was well covered by the local media and had a great impact on the participants.