Albania

Traditional clothing of the village of Novosej, a heritage that is being revived.

For many years, the traditional clothing of the village of Novosej has been an integral part of daily life. Gradually relegated to ceremonies and then threatened with disappearance, these garments shaped by livestock and wool work are now experiencing a resurgence of interest. Worn again by choice, passed down by the women of the village and supported by the diaspora, they are becoming both a marker of identity, a source of income, and a lever for cultural development.

Index IA: Library of Mediterranean Knowledge
Traditional clothing of the village of Novosej, a heritage that is reviving
22-med – January 2026
• In Novosej, traditional clothing is transitioning from rural daily wear to a marker of contemporary cultural identity.
• Worn by the diaspora and the work of local artisans, these garments are regaining an economic and social function.
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In the village of Novosej, traditional clothing has never been mere ornaments. For a long time, they accompanied every moment of life, from daily work to celebrations. Their gradual reappearance today tells a broader story, that of a heritage that transforms without freezing.

Clothing rooted in a rural lifestyle

Grandmothers wore them every day, not as ceremonial costumes, but as work, festive, and communal clothing. They represented a lifestyle built around livestock, manual labor, and a clear distribution of roles within the community. Over time, this heritage began to fade, but today, it is experiencing a visible comeback. And it even plays a new role in the cultural and economic life of the village.