TIRANA, March 14 /ATA/ – The annual pagan holiday celebrating the official end of winter nationwide – Summer Day – has thousands of citizens and tourists alike flocking the city of Elbasan on Thursday, joining celebrations with a tight calendar of festive and diverse events.
The central city of Elbasan is once again the key host of Summer Day celebrations, Albania’s sole official holiday with pagan roots, marking the end of winter, celebrated nationwide every March 14.
On this popular holiday, Elbasan, the city where the Summer Day tradition originates, has opened doors to welcome thousands of people from the close-by towns, villages and other cities around the country, as well as visitors from Kosovo, Diaspora and the region.
The traditional Summer Day cookie called ballokume, trade fairs, concerts and arts and sports events will accompany visitors in this city today, where the central streets and squares are free of cars, despite lack of almost ever present sunshine.
Elbasan Mayor Qazim Sejdini extended his best Summer Day greetings.
“Allow me to send you my most heartfelt Summer Day wishes, the holiday of flowers, the most beautiful holiday in Elbasan. May Spring brings kindness, joy and love to your family homes! ” Sejdini said.
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.
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