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| A table filled with New Year's food and a New Year's tree in Skënderbej Square in Tirana |
The New Year's Eve celebration is embraced worldwide, uniting family members and loved ones in joyous festivities.
People around the globe commemorate this night in various ways, all sharing the belief that their wishes will come true in the upcoming year.
Unlike other countries and neighbors, the New Year's Eve in Albania is marked by distinct traditions that set it apart.
Bountiful Tables with a Special Emphasis on Meat
While daily meals may not be extravagant, the New Year's Eve dinner table is expected to be laden with a variety of dishes. It's not enough to have seafood; the head of the family ensures a selection of two or three types of meat, untouched until the very end.
Baklava, the Sweet Centerpiece
The favorite dessert of the table, baklava, is prepared several days before the celebration. Some prefer to make it from scratch, while others entrust it to the ovens.
Assorted Drinks
The table is adorned with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages—carbonated or still, energy drinks—all present, irrespective of whether they will be consumed. The key is to have them available.
Thorough House Cleaning
Every corner of the house, every room, every piece of furniture undergoes meticulous cleaning. The New Year must find every home spotless. Is it already clean? It will be cleaned again. No doubts about that!
Fireworks Battle
From windows, balconies, and wherever possible, Albanians impatiently display their seemingly endless arsenal of fireworks. Were the neighbors' displays more impressive? Not a problem; on January 1st, the fireworks spectacle resumes.
Hidden Coins in the Pie
Another tradition involves hiding coins in the pie. The curiosity persists. Who will find it this year? With the rising cost of living, the dilemma becomes more significant. What reward awaits the fortunate finder? Moments of amusement and laughter that add joy to the family table.
Festivities
Now it's a well-known schedule. Until midnight with the family, after midnight with friends. Morning plans? Uncertain.
First Foot in the House
It is believed that when a young boy enters the house first, the year will be prosperous. Even more critical—the right foot must step in first. A tradition challenging to fade away.
As the clock strikes midnight, Albanians nationwide embrace these traditions, creating a vibrant tapestry of customs that contribute to the festive spirit of welcoming the New Year.