On January 17, 2025, Albanians marked the 557th anniversary of the passing of their national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, with an extraordinary revival of an ancient tradition—“Gjama e Burrave” (The Wailing of Men). This deeply symbolic ritual, rooted in northern Albanian highlands and the rich cultural heritage of the Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini, served as a powerful tribute to Skanderbeg and the enduring values of honor, unity, and collective respect.
The Origins and Meaning of "Gjama e Burrave"
“Gjama e Burrave” is a traditional mourning ritual, practiced historically in northern Albania and the Malësia e Madhe region. Emerging from ancient tribal customs, it is a unique expression of grief, solidarity, and respect, performed by the male members of a community. The ritual, solemn and highly structured, symbolizes the strength of masculine unity while channeling deep sorrow in a collective yet dignified manner.
During this ritual, men from the village or tribe gather around the body of the deceased and perform a synchronized, rhythmic wailing. This outpouring of grief is powerful yet controlled, following strict rules that prohibit visible signs of emotional vulnerability such as tears or overt displays of weakness. In the worldview of the Kanun, tears were thought to diminish the honor of the deceased and their family. Instead, the wailing itself served as a symbolic cry of defiance against loss and an affirmation of the strength and unity of the community.
The Connection to Skanderbeg
Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, Albania’s revered national hero, holds a unique place in the hearts of Albanians. His life was dedicated to uniting Albanian tribes and defending their freedom against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Skanderbeg’s legacy embodies the core values of the Kanun: honor, loyalty, and courage. As such, it is fitting that his commemoration this year included the performance of “Gjama e Burrave,” a tradition that resonates deeply with the values he championed.
On January 17, 2025, at his tomb in Lezhë, the ritual was performed with a level of authenticity rarely seen in modern times. Men from across Albania and the diaspora came together, dressed in traditional attire, to honor Skanderbeg’s memory through the ancient wailing. Their voices, raw and powerful, echoed the grief of a nation while celebrating the enduring strength of Albanian identity.
The Significance of Revival
While “Gjama e Burrave” has become increasingly rare in contemporary Albania due to modern societal shifts, its revival in Skanderbeg’s commemoration highlights its timeless cultural and emotional significance. It serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted values of collective mourning, respect for the departed, and the strength of community bonds.
This performance also underscores a growing movement to preserve and honor Albania’s intangible cultural heritage in a rapidly modernizing world. The ritual of “Gjama e Burrave,” though steeped in the past, speaks to universal themes of loss, honor, and solidarity that remain profoundly relevant today.
A Tradition Beyond Time
The “Gjama e Burrave” performed at Skanderbeg’s tomb this year was more than a tribute to a hero—it was a statement of cultural resilience. In a world increasingly shaped by modernity and globalization, such traditions connect Albanians to their roots, reminding them of the values that have sustained their communities for centuries.
Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the man who united Albanian tribes against overwhelming odds, continues to inspire his people not just as a figure of history, but as a symbol of unity and strength. Through the revival of “Gjama e Burrave,” his legacy lives on—not only in the pages of history but in the voices of those who mourn, honor, and remember.