As they grey dampness of winter begins to lift, there is a distinct feel of spring in the air throughout the streets of Tirana.
The temperature is firmly in double digits, the sun is higher in the sky, birds seem to be signing a little louder, and I have found myself peeling off my multiple layers, to sit contentedly in the sun to enjoy my coffee without a coat.
But what does Spring in Albania have to offer?
Dita e Veres/ Summer’s Day
Held on March 14th, Dita e Veres or Day of Summer is a celebration of the first day in the ancient Albanian, Pagan calendar. The festival has been celebrated in some form since before the birth of Christianity. Originally, the epicentre of the festival was in Elbasan, but over the last few decades, its popularity has spread around the country, particularly in Tirana.
From March 1st, it is traditional to wear a bracelet called a Verore that is made from red and white thread that is braided together. At the end of Dita e Veres, the bracelet is removed and then hung from a tree branch for good luck, in the hope that a bird will use it to build its nest.
The festival can be linked back to the Temple of the Mountain Muse (Zana Malit) which was located near Elbasan. Muse was the goddess of hunting, nature, and forests and she would only come out of her temple on March 14 to celebrate the beginning of the summer. This legend has then been passed down through the generations and today, many friends and family celebrate together, enjoying ballokume- a special cookie made only at this time.
Where can I celebrate?
Tirana
If you are in Tirana for this special day, you should wander up to the main boulevard at around 9am to take in the beautiful floral decorations and the very Pagan-looking wicker figures that line the side of the road. Last year there was a large carnival, stages with music and performances and a real party atmosphere that went on all day and night. In the afternoon and evening, the streets of Bllok were closed due to different stages being set up playing every kind of music from electro to rock to pop, until the early hours.
Remember that this is a public holiday and most of the shops and businesses are likely to be closed.
Elbasan
The whole of Elbasan will come to a standstill on this special day and visitors come from all over the country to celebrate. Most of the celebrations will take place in the main streets of the city, but as the day wears on, many revellers will move to other parts of the city, or the surrounding countryside to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
