Albania celebrates Thursday the Summer Day, a “traditional” holiday for the country. 

In fact, the day supposedly has its origins in ancient pagan rites which were practiced thousands of years ago by the Illyrian tribes living in the western Balkans – and legend has it that these rites have been passed on almost unaltered from generation to generation since then. 

In case you were wondering about that: Also the origin of the day’s name can be found in antiquity (because even in Albania, March is not quite summer yet). Back in the time, only two seasons were recognized – summer and winter.

Today many activities will be developed nationwide. A concert is planed on the main boulevard while a fair will offer to citizens many products, especially the 'Ballokume' the characteristic dessert of this day.