You may be wondering why everyone is off work today and why the city has a much more relaxed vibe. Today is a national holiday known as “Nowruz” (literally translating as ‘new day’) and it is also known celebrated as Iranian New Year or Persian New year.
It is observed between March 20-23 depending on the time that the sun crosses the celestial equator and equalises day and night. This year, that moment falls on March 22.
Today, people in Albania celebrate hope, resurrection for all mankind, a new beginning and
The festival was first celebrated in Albania at the time of the arrival of the Bektashi faith in the country, during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, it is a nationwide celebration.
Whilst the communist regime suppressed all religion in the country and adherents of the Bektashi faith found their religious sites closed down, Novruz Day- the most important holiday of their faith was proclaimed as a national holiday in 1996.
Bektashism is a Sufi dervish order that is named after the 13th century saint Haji Bektash Veli. A subsect of Islam, the order is headquartered in Tirana, but followers are located throughout Anatolia and the Balkans. Strong communities are present in Bulgaria, south Albania, Epirus, Crete, and Macedonia.
Whilst they follow Muslim teachings, Bektashis are quite laid back when it comes to conventional Islamic laws. Both men and women take part in rituals, dancing, and wine drinking during ceremonies and some practices are even adapted from Christian theology. Considered as a highly mystical religion, they are neither Shia or Sunni and are known for their tolerance and spirituality.
The Bektashi World Centre in the north-eastern suburbs of Tirana features an impressive tekke (teqe) with a very interesting museum in the basement and a small gift shop where you can buy some typical Bektashi items. The Teqe is adorned with marbled mosaics in a varied selection of colours and patterns.
To celebrate the day like a local, you can visit the tekke, and of course, sit down with family and friends to enjoy a hearty meal.
The celebration of this Bektashi festival with Iranian/Persian roots is a testament to the religious tolerance that prevails in Albania. So far this year, Albanians have celebrated Gregorian New Years Eve and Day, Orthodox Christmas and New Year, Chinese New Year, Diten e Veres (a pagan spring festival), Novruz/Persian New Year/Iranian New Year, and will soon celebrate Catholic and Orthodox Easter festivals, and Ramadan.
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