Albania marks the arrival of spring with Summer Day, an ancient tradition from Elbasan that, despite its name, welcomes the first signs of the new season.
President Bajram Begaj shared greetings with a symbolic Elbasan basket—ballakume sweet, fresh flowers, and an olive branch. “Wishing you all a joyful, prosperous Summer Day with this traditional basket,” he wrote.
Prime Minister Edi Rama kept it brief, posting a Facebook video with: “Happy Summer Day.”
Once a local festivity, the event is now nationwide, filling streets with music, dance, and outdoor gatherings. Families bake ballakume, a cornflour treat symbolizing prosperity. Though officially on March 14, celebrations start days earlier, keeping Albania’s folk traditions alive.
