Antonio Pomillo named Honorary Ambassador for Hardh Fest 2026

Antonio Pomillo, the mayor of Vaccarizzo Albanese (Vakarici), has been named Honorary Ambassador for the 2026 Hardh Fest in Rahovec, Kosovo. The appointment follows the signing of a friendship pact between the two municipalities on August 12 during the 43rd Arbëresh Costume and Culture Review.

The Hardh Fest is a grape harvest festival held in Rahovec from September 4 to 6, focusing on viticulture, wine, gastronomy, and tourism. Mayor Pomillo stated that the designation is a recognition of the Arbëresh community’s efforts to use their cultural identity as a contemporary tool for international dialogue, tourism, and economic development.

The relationship between the two towns is rooted in shared cultural origins and a strong viticultural tradition. This institutional connection was recently strengthened by a visit from a Kosovar delegation to Vaccarizzo Albanese.