Albania to mark Summer Day

TIRANA, March 9 – Albania will mark on Tuesday, March 14, the Summer Day, a pagan festival originally celebrated in the city of Elbasan, central Albania, to mark the end of winter. Lots of cultural events will be held both in Tirana and Elbasan to mark Summer Day, an official holiday since seven years now. Thousands of Albanians rush to Tirana and Elbasan on this day attending concerts, carnival parades, packing the main streets and boulevards which are usually traffic-free. The traditional cake symbolizing this festival is called Ballokume.
Celebrations in Tirana will kick off with folklore songs and dances by the Tirana Ensemble and a parade by the City Band across the capital’s main boulevard. Children will also enjoy performances by acrobats and clowns and events organized by the Municipality of Tirana.
The capital’s central boulevard will turn into a book fair where publishing houses will promote their publications.
Tuesday evening will also bring a concert by the Ensemble of Folk Dances and Songs at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet at 19.00.
Meanwhile, celebrations in the city of Elbasan, where the Summer Day originates, will precede with a pan-national folklore song competition, scheduled from March 11 to 12 at the local Skampa theatre, bringing together groups from Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro.
March 14 in Elbasan will be celebrated with a wide range of events including carnival, children’s performances and a Balkan poetry festival called “The Roses of Elbasan.”
Several other Albanian cities such as Durres, Berat, Lezha have scheduled events.