| Hasi Jehon | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Folklore festival |
| Begins | May |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Location(s) | Gjonaj, Has region |
| Country | Kosovo |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Inaugurated | May 1976 |
| Most recent | May 2025 |
| Organised by | SHKA Malësori |
The Hasi Jehon Festival is an annual festival held in the village of Gjonaj in the region of Hasi, Kosovo. The festival is held every May since 1976. The festival is an Albanian folklore event that gathers around 20 ensembles from across Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, showcasing traditional Albanian folk music and dance. [1] [2]
One year after the cultural and artistic association “Malësori” founding, it organized the first Hasi Jehon festival. The event took place at the end of April 1976 and it lasted for five days, from April 27 to May 1. The festival, known as the “Review of Cultural Artistic Societies (SHKA) and Dramatic Groups,” was dedicated to showcasing the artistic performances of groups from the Hasi region. It started its activity with other cultural and artistic associations, the artistic groups of Hasi schools, rhapsodes, players of popular games, and popular instrumentalists with unique national costumes. [3]
After the first “Hasi Jehon” festival, the event continued successfully. It was held for three more consecutive years, up until 1979. According to the founders of “Malësori,” the festival was not held in 1980 due to political reasons—a situation that repeated in the following two years. In 1983, Hasi Jehon returned to the stage and continued until 1988.
During the 1980s, SHKA “Malësori,” like all cultural groups in Kosovo, was subjected to strict state control from the Serbian authorities. Every performance required prior approval, and programs were reviewed by government-appointed commissions. Content deemed politically sensitive was censored or banned, and even instruments with symbolic markings were confiscated. These restrictions led to increasing difficulties, and by 1988, the organisator, “Malësori”, had to suspend its activities.
The most difficult years for the organisation of the festival was the 1990s, due to severe political oppression and the devastating impact of the Kosovo War, which left the hosting village in ruins.
In 2000, the first post-war edition of the Hasi Jehon festival took place, marking a new chapter in the cultural mission and the festival’s ongoing legacy.
Hasi Jehon festival of 2001, also known as the “Hasian Wedding” due to its symbolic procession of “wedding guests” from various Albanian regions, took on the spirit of a national celebration. That year marked a significant moment, as for the first time, a cultural group from Malësia e Madhe, Montenegro performed on stage, bringing a new sense of freshness and unity to the festival.
The Hasi Jehon Festival is the process of being accepted by the Ministry of Culture as an asset in permanent protection. [3]
The festival continues each year to gather Albanian ensembles from all the Albanian-inhabited regions. It serves as an important platform for the preservation and the promotion of the centuries-old Albanian dances, folklore and traditions. [3]
