Dita e Verës


Dita e Verës or Verëza is an Albanian spring festival and pagan holiday celebrated in Albania on March 14 of the Gregorian calendar. In the old Albanian calendar, Verëza corresponds to the first three days of the new year and marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the summer season on the spring equinox. Dita e Verës has its roots in traditional Albanian, Greek and Roman religions. Another festival of the spring equinox observed in Albania is Nowruz, celebrated on March 21.

Description

Dita e Verës is celebrated on March 1 of the Julian calendar, the first day of the new year. It is celebrated both in the Northern and Southern regions, but with regional differences. Bonfires are traditionally lit in yards elsewere in Albania with the function to drive away the darkness of the winter season and for the strengthening of the Sun.
The shrine of Diana of Cermenika, located in the Albanian city of Elbasan, celebrates Diana the goddess of forests, greenery and nature. The distinctive sign of this holiday is baking ballokume, a sugar cookie made with Albanian corn. In Lezha, Dita e Verës fires are lit to signify the sun's purity and strength. Although the holiday continues to be highlighted in the ancient city of Elbasan, it is celebrated by all Albanians.
The holiday maintains a family and traditional atmosphere, in which parents, children and families celebrate together. On this day Albanians congratulate each other on living long and happy lives.

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