Different from previous years, this time the tree was lit up not December 6th, as is the custom, but on December 2nd.

The ceremony began with festive songs and continued with the speech of Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj who congratulated all Albanians and added that, “with the lighting of the holiday lights, each of us should also light the hearts.”

“I would like everyone to light the hearts to make Tirana a model city. I am proud to be your servant. Thank you from the bottom of my heart”, said Mayor Veliaj.

“An evening not to be missed, music, energy and unforgettable moments”, Veliaj wrote earlier in the social media.

In this magnificent evening, well-known stars of Albanian music will take to the stage, including: Alban Skënderaj, Xhensila Myrtezaj, Anxhela Peristeri, Manjola Nallbani, Era Rusi, Juliana Pasha, Semi Jaupaj, Sardi Strugaj, Vesa Luma and Emra Brah. This concert is expected to be more than just a musical event. /a.f/p.s./

Attending the event, there were hundreds of citizens and especially the city’s children who gathered at the “Christmas Market” square.

Mayor Ervin Demo wished the citizens a happy festive season.

“This year, the taste of the festive season will be more beautiful than ever in Berat,” said Demo.

With the completion of the new square, the Christmas tree has been positioned surrounded by the “Christmas Market” huts, which this year are more numerous in number.

This time the decoration has also extended beyond the center and there are innovations that remain to be discovered by both the local residents and tourists.

The festive lights glittering in all public spaces of Berat have adorned it, transforming it from beautiful into a truly magical city.

There have also been decorations along the city’s pedestrian street as well as in the museum neighborhood.

Also, on the weekends, the most famous singers and DJs will be on the stage in the city center. /k.s/p.s./

Thus, the well-known singer Big Basta, accompanied by his son Lian, planted some saplings together with the team of the Municipality of Tirana.

The well-known athlete Luiza Gega has also joined the campaign.

Earlier, this initiative was joined by the well-known actress Olta Gixhari with her son Amar.

The municipality of Tirana will continue with its campaign for the increase of green areas this year as well, while Mayor Veliaj has called for February to turn into a month of mass mobilization for planting of the trees. /m.m/p.s./

The prime minister, at the same time Head of the SP Edi Rama together with the candidate, the incumbent Mayor of Durrës Emiriana Sako planted trees symbolically in context of the commitment made for every city.

Rama posted on social networks the photo album of the donation of trees to Durrës provided by the Socialist Party’s election fund.

Rama said that the funds are raised due to the reduction of expenses for electoral propaganda tools.

The prime minister listed open projects for the development of this city, from the new port to the railway.

“The new tourist port and the new commercial port in Porto Romano are in the process along with the new railway line Tirana-Durrës”, he said./p.s./

Rama introduced the SP candidate in Durres, the current Mayor Emiriana Sako and he emphasized that the city of Durres needs her.

“I am here to plant with great pleasure together with Ani and you some trees that are a gift of the Socialist Party from the budget funds for the elections and from the reduction of expenses for propaganda materials which we will probably have to use in the latter part of the campaign. But, in the meantime by cutting these expenses we are given the opportunity to leave something behind from this campaign, to leave a little more oxygen for the cities instead of just pollute the city or cities where we will go with noise, with posters, with everything that a campaign brings. This time there should and will be a closer communication with people, an attempt to explain what we have done, but on the other hand, to make it clear to everyone that we are aware that there is still a lot to do”, said Rama.

“I am very pleased today that in this city we have a mayor, who is certainly a person who reflects through her daily work, respect for work, desire for work and continuous commitment to work”, said Rama./gj.m/p.s./

The central square of the capital was enlivened even more by the atmosphere created by the children with the repertoire of festive songs.

Mayor Erion Veliaj, present at the festive ceremony, invited the citizens to be in solidarity, more loving and help each other, because this is the only way to make it the city of dreams.

“We had a super year for Tirana as the “European Youth Capital”; we had Rita Ora and Dua Lipa in this square, Tirana had the UEFA Conference League final. Tomorrow, Tirana will welcome all EU leaders who are coming to the Balkans for the first time and have chosen Tirana to be the place of hospitality that welcomes everyone”, emphasized Veliaj.

Mayor Veliaj said that, “This is our Tirana, friends! I know not everything is perfect. But, when we cooperate, when we need each other, when we support each other, when we say well done to each other, I’m proud of you, we move forward, Tirana moves forward. The invitation to everyone, regardless of beliefs is: Let’s use this December for solidarity, for love with each other and to understand that when we cooperate, there is nothing that stops Albanians, when they gather in Tirana and make it the city of their dreams”.

Festive lights have started to decorate Tirana, bringing a joyful atmosphere in this December  when people prepare to celebrate Christmas and New Year. /k.s/p.s./