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"At Uçka as before"/ The beach that preserves the memories of the people of Pogradec

2025-07-20 14:06:00, Qyteti im CNA

"At Uçka as before"/ The beach that preserves the memories of

This weekend, on the oldest beach in Pogradec, at "Uçkat", memories and old games of the lake returned. Children caught fish with pots, young people had swimming competitions, while vacationers saw how Pogradec lived in years gone by. This very place was also the scene of the filming of the film "Mëngjese Lufte".

Rita Topulli, an old Pogradec resident, fondly recalls her childhood on this lakeshore, from catching fish with a jar.

"At Uçka as before"/ The beach that preserves the memories of

"From morning until dinner, we would stay like ducks, catching fish with pots, throwing them away and filling them up again. This was the most beautiful place that existed at that time. We would swim, race each other, go to bridges. I am glad that history is repeating itself and we see our childhood ," says Rita.

A vacationer says that for the first time she tried this traditional way of fishing, just as she had seen her mother do when she was little.

"At Uçka as before"/ The beach that preserves the memories of

"I had never caught it like this before, I had seen my mom, it was fun and I joined in with the kids."

"At Uçka as before"/ The beach that preserves the memories of

Liljana Busho and Sotiraq Iftica, swimming record holders and coaches of generations, say that the sport of swimming is returning to the city, while young people are once again embracing this ancient Pogradec tradition.

"It brought me back to 58 years ago, I'm nostalgic for the children, it's a shame that the country doesn't have swimmers, a big investment is needed."

"My memories came back here, they're called Uçkat. Movies are played and swimmers are swimming. We try, we have several age groups. Swimming is back now, we do two activities and the swimming marathon in honor of Agron Ruvina."

"At Uçka as before"/ The beach that preserves the memories of

A rare historical exhibition was presented at the event, with photos taken by French photographers decades ago and by Pogradec photographer Misto Cici, which bring back the atmosphere of the "Uçkave" beach in the distant years, a century ago.

"This exhibition is related to this beach, a photo taken during the French occupation but by a photographer from Pogradec like Misto Cici, it brings this beach as it was a century ago," says Ledjan Zeqollari, Director of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.

"At Uçka as before"/ The beach that preserves the memories of

Meanwhile, a foreign vacationer visiting Albania for the first time expresses her amazement at Pogradec and its natural beauties.

"I was in Shkodra, Ksamil, Korca and now in Pogradec. I really like Pogradec. The lake is fantastic, the hospitality, the food, the view. It's a relaxing place."

"At Uçka as before"/ The beach that preserves the memories of

"Uçkave" beach has been revitalized in recent years, with the addition of a natural studio with photos from 21 films shot in Pogradec, along with an installation of Pogradec fishermen's nets./ CNA