Albania has reached an important milestone in the field of cultural heritage, as the Lahuta, the traditional instrument accompanying Albanian epic singing, has been officially inscribed by UNESCO.

The decision was adopted on 9 December 2025, during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi, India, approving the inscription of “The Art of Playing, Singing and Making the Lahuta” on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

The inscription recognizes the Lahuta as an outstanding expression of intangible cultural heritage, transmitted from generation to generation and deeply embedded in the social and cultural life of Albanian communities.

This international recognition highlights the Lahuta’s role in preserving collective memory, strengthening cultural identity, and fostering intercultural dialogue. It also reaffirms Albania’s strong commitment to safeguarding, documenting, and transmitting its living cultural heritage.

This achievement is the result of close cooperation between state institutions, researchers, tradition bearers, local communities, and cultural partners, who jointly contributed to the preparation and support of the nomination file.

Albania will continue implementing safeguarding, educational, and promotional measures to ensure that the Lahuta remains a living tradition and is passed on to future generations.