Dita e Verës: Albania's Spring Festival and the Tradition of Ballokume

Some traditional Albanian yellow circular shaped cakes known as "Ballokum" on a plate

 Dita e Verës, also known as Verëza, is a traditional Albanian festival celebrated annually on March 14, marking the transition from winter to the spring-summer season. This ancient pagan holiday, deeply rooted in Albanian culture, symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and the blossoming of nature. The festival is widely observed across Albania, with Elbasan being the heart of the celebrations. One of the most iconic elements of Dita e Verës is the preparation and enjoyment of ballokume, a traditional sweet treat that has become the symbol of the festival.

The Traditional Recipe of Ballokume

Ballokume is a unique dessert originating from Elbasan, prepared using simple yet carefully selected ingredients. Its rich, buttery taste and crumbly texture make it a beloved part of the festivities. Below is the authentic recipe for ballokume, as traditionally prepared in Albania:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg sugar (not powdered)
• 1 kg sifted cornmeal
• 500 g fresh butter
• 8 eggs
• Half a cup of wood ash water (prepared by mixing two to three tablespoons of wood ash in a glass of water, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and then straining carefully)

Preparation Method:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and melted butter.
2. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon for approximately 30 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy.
3. Add one egg at a time, stirring well before adding the next. Repeat this process for all eight eggs.
4. Gradually add the wood ash water while stirring constantly. If unavailable, a small amount of milk can be used as a substitute.
5. Slowly incorporate the sifted cornmeal by hand, mixing continuously with a wooden spoon to avoid clumps.
6. Stir vigorously to ensure a smooth and uniform dough consistency.
7. Knead the dough by hand until it becomes firm enough to hold its shape when lifted.
8. Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round, flat discs.
9. Place the shaped dough onto a greased baking tray dusted with cornmeal, ensuring enough space between each piece as they will expand while baking.
10. Preheat the oven to 180-200°C and bake the ballokume until golden brown.
11. Enjoy this delicious and symbolic treat as part of your Dita e Verës celebrations!

Conclusion

Dita e Verës is more than just a seasonal festival; it is a celebration of life, hope, and renewal. The tradition of preparing and sharing ballokume serves as a testament to Albania's rich cultural heritage, bringing families and communities together in joy and festivity. Whether in Albania or abroad, celebrating Dita e Verës with this cherished delicacy is a wonderful way to honor Albanian traditions and welcome the warmth of spring.