Albania

Inscribed in 2024 (19.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

In Albania, the k’cimi dance is a popular, festive dance performed in spontaneous gatherings or during traditional ceremonies such as weddings, birthdays, initiations and village celebrations. Typically accompanied by drums, k’cimi is performed by men, women and children of all ages, and usually in couples, with partners changing according to the occasion and the dancers’ choice. People dance face to face, without touching. They make swooning movements, raising and dropping their arms as they move around one another. According to the occasion, some dancers may wear traditional attire. During the dance, women may also wave a handkerchief, usually red in colour. The k’cimi dance is traditionally practiced by the people of Tropojë and is associated with springtime celebrations, mountainous landscapes and the flight of eagles – a symbol of strength and of collective identity. However, it is now performed year-round, including by people from other parts of Albania. Dance groups also perform the dance during festivals. K’cimi is transmitted through observation and participation during social and ceremonial occasions. During family celebrations in particular, elders show and teach children and youth the dance. The dance evokes a sense of shared identity and belonging while promoting social cohesion, freedom of expression and tolerance.