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Dervish Elmaz Festival in Kolonjë/ Hundreds of pilgrims gather at the Bektashi holy site

2025-05-22 16:20:00, Qyteti im CNA

Dervish Elmaz Festival in Kolonjë/ Hundreds of pilgrims gather at the

The village of Gjonç in Kolonjë welcomed hundreds of pilgrims from all over Albania, who participated in the Feast of Dervish Elmaz, an event of special spiritual importance for the Bektashi community and beyond. The tradition of this feast has been preserved for centuries and takes place in the holy place where Dervish Elmaz served and was honored. Dervish Elmaz is remembered as a figure of profound spiritual influence, and continues to be honored generation after generation by the residents of the area and believers, who see him as a symbol of love, peace and sincere prayer.

The Head of the World Bektashi Patriarchate, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj, emphasized the importance of continuing this tradition, praising the holy place of Gjonç as a spiritual reference point for all those seeking peace and prayer. He emphasized that this is a place where people are discharged from negative energy and filled with positivity.

Dervish Elmaz Festival in Kolonjë/ Hundreds of pilgrims gather at the

"This is a pilgrimage that has remained from our ancestors who came and received prayers and blessings from this holy place. As the prophet Muhammad says: "When you feel yourself narrow, turn to good places, they know your plight". People come, make sacrifices, pray to God for goodness, love, peace, for everything good to go well for them. For this reason, they come, they are discharged from negative energy to receive positive energy, to face the difficulties of this temporary world. We also come to honor them, give them moral and blessings. I thank them for coming and keeping alive these holy places that have been guardians for us", said Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj.

On the other hand, the mayor of Kolonjë, Erion Isai, described this as one of the most important holidays in the area, not only for its spiritual values, but also for the role it plays in bringing people back to their hometowns and strengthening human ties. He also praised the extraordinary participation this holiday attracts every year.

Dervish Elmaz Festival in Kolonjë/ Hundreds of pilgrims gather at the

"It is one of the most important festivals in Cologne, which has an extraordinary participation. Here we are in one of the holiest places in Cologne, where Dervish Elmazi has this following from people as a belief of hope for a better life and for all that people need, as a moment of peace and prayer. In addition, they find it as a space to return to their country, so I am very happy that this festival has this impact and has so many people," said Isai.

The headman of the village of Gjonç, Ali Xhaferi, emphasized that this is a celebration that unites not only Bektashis, but also Christians, testifying to the exemplary interfaith coexistence that characterizes this area. He described the celebration as a 400-year-old tradition that includes all the people, beyond religious beliefs.

"We are at the celebration of Dervish Elmaz. This celebration is 400 years old and is held for the entire people. People from all over Albania come to this celebration, not only Bektashi believers, but also Christians. Dervish Elmaz is a Bektashi and this celebration is for them, but the Bektashis are also close to Christians through customs and traditions. We are happy that everyone is united in this celebration," said Xhaferi.

Dervish Elmaz Festival in Kolonjë/ Hundreds of pilgrims gather at the

The participants themselves also shared their emotions, appreciating the organization and the atmosphere. For many of them, this place is sacred and associated with miracles and special experiences. Some come for the fifth time, others for the first time, but all leave with positive feelings and the hope of returning again:

"This is an old tradition and there are many people who have welcomed it. They believe a lot in this holy place in Gjonç. It has performed many miracles. They have come from all over, have slaughtered animals and it has done a lot of good."

"I come from Durrës. This is my fifth time coming here. The atmosphere is very good. I haven't heard anything other than nice things. Let's pray today for the whole family and for all Albanians."

Dervish Elmaz Festival in Kolonjë/ Hundreds of pilgrims gather at the

The Dervish Elmaz Festival in Gjonç is not only a religious event, but a testament to the spiritual heritage that continues to live in the hearts of people. It brings generations together, unites beliefs and strengthens the connection with the roots. In a time of challenges and changes, this tradition remains a source of inspiration, peace and hope for the future.

The celebration took place in an atmosphere of tranquility and spiritual reflection, where many of the participants saw it as an opportunity to rediscover themselves and gain positive energy for coping with daily life./CNA