TIRANA, March 14 – Tirana and Elbasan are once again the key hosts of Summer Day celebrations, Albania’s sole official holiday with pagan roots marking the end of winter, celebrated nationwide every March 14 since a decade now.
Dozens of thousands of people have flocked the main streets of Elbasan, the central Albanian city where the Summer Day tradition originates and thousands more in Tirana which in recent years has joined celebrations with a tight calendar of events.
The traditional Summer Day cookie called ballokume, trade fairs, concerts and arts and sports events will accompany visitors to these cities on Monday, where the central streets and squares are free of cars, despite lack of almost ever present sunshine. The Tirana Municipality is also organizing an Eco fair with flower and recycling companies displaying flowers and works created with urban waste.
“The decorations, the handicraft trade fair, the organic food market and children’s games are ready. Don’t lose Summer Day in Tirana,” writes Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj in social networks.
Elbasan Mayor Qazim Sejdini, now in his third consecutive term as mayor, says celebrations in Elbasan which started a few days with a folk song festival and the traditional trade fair, are already at their peak.
“Elbasan is celebrating today. This is a day which requires more respect for each other, more work and healthier people,” said Sejdini.
Summer’s Day was mostly celebrated in Elbasan, until a decade ago.
Approved by the Albanian Parliament in 2004 as an official and national holiday, this day of pagan celebration symbolizes the rebirth of nature, the awakening from a long dark winter and a general rejuvenation of one’s spirit.
The celebration of Summer’s Day dates back to ancient times in the city of Elbasan, which due in part to its location in the geographic center of the country, was considered the umbilical city for all of Albania.
According to an Albanian legend, the Mountain Muse, who was the goddess of hunting, forests, and all things related to nature, would usher in summer by coming out of her temple on the 14th of March.
While thousands of people still rush to Elbasan, where the holiday originates, celebrations in Tirana are becoming even bigger ever since Summer’s Day was announced a national holiday.
