Just like in other countries, every 1st of January New Year’s Day is observed and celebrated in Albania and it is even considered one of the most important celebrations of the year.

The reason for this dates back to the times of the communist regime, as any religious celebration, like Christmas, Easter, or Eid-al Fitr was forbidden. This pretty much made the non-religious New Year’s celebrations the only nationwide festivities allowed, so people made sure to celebrate this well.

Most families spend New Year’s Eve together with other family members and relatives and share a celebratory meal. A big table is usually covered with delicious dishes which often include roasted turkey or other meats, vegetables, salads, and other dishes, but also sweets like baklava, and of course lots of raki and other drinks. After finishing the meal people go out of their house for a walk and to watch the fireworks at midnight.

In Saranda, there are usually a lot of fireworks lighting up the sky, which is magical to see with the reflections in the water. Often there are also activities organized by the municipality around the festive season and on New Year’s Eve, like live music or a DJ.

After midnight people continue celebrating in the bars that are open and on New Year’s Day the celebrations continue as this is an official public holiday. New Year’s Day is usually spent with the family as well or by visiting other friends and relatives to have more food and drinks.

It doesn’t necessarily stop there as many Albanians even continue the celebrations on the 2nd or even the 3rd of January.