TIRANA, March /ATA/ – The annual pagan holiday celebrating the official end of winter nationwide – Summer Day – has thousands of citizens and tourists alike flocking the central Albanian city of Elbasan, the capital Tirana and other cities throughout the country on Thursday, joining celebrations with a tight calendar of festive and diverse events.
The capital city of Tirana and Elbasan are the key hosts of Summer Day celebrations, Albania’s sole official holiday with pagan roots, marking the end of winter, and celebrated nationwide every March 14.
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.
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.
The atmosphere in Tirana is also vibrant with the main boulevard already decorated with big flowers and dozens of entertainment events scheduled to take place.
The celebration of Summer 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.
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