Albanians prepare for New Year’s festivities

TIRANA, Dec. 26 – Albanians are preparing to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, traditionally one of the most important celebrations in the country.
Shopping and decorations are part of the tradition, as are family gatherings.
The local media is also focusing on how many poor families do not have the means to fully celebrate the holiday. In one case, disabled Albanians in the southeastern Korca city, had not received their monthly income for the last two months, which led to protests.
Most people have also notice increased prices for goods.
Tirana City Hall has created a task force to deal with speculators, and warned businesses not to increase the prices.
Tens of thousands of Albanian immigrants have started to come to their homeland for the festivities. That has packed, or intensified the work at the border crossing points, especially in the south with neighboring Greece. But the number is lower than in previous years.
The cold weather and the increase of the cars traffic have also brought problems and an increased number of accidents in the country.
Police have said they have increased their presence and control of the road network.