Albania, a nation known for its rich history and cultural diversity, observes a variety of public holidays each year. These holidays are a combination of national pride, cultural celebrations, and historical remembrances. The Albanian calendar is dotted with these special days when citizens pause to honor historical events, share in cultural festivities or engage in religious observances. Whether you are planning to visit Albania in 2024 or are a resident curious about the public holidays set for that year, this article will guide you through each official day off. Below is a list of the public holidays expected in Albania for the year 2024.
New Year's Day - January 1, 2024
- New Year's Day, known locally as 'Viti i Ri,' is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Albania. It marks the first day of the Gregorian calendar and is a time for family gatherings and festive events.
Orthodox Christmas Day - January 7, 2024
- While the majority of Albanians observe Christmas on December 25th, the Orthodox Christian community in Albania celebrates Christmas on January 7th according to the Julian calendar. This is a day of feasting and attending church services.
International Women's Day - March 8, 2024
- On this day, the achievements and contributions of Albanian women are celebrated across the country. It is customary for men to give gifts to the women in their lives, and various events are organized to honor women's rights and achievements.
National Youth Day - March 7, 2024
- Recognizing the contribution of the country's youth to its national identity, Albania commemorates National Youth Day on March 7. It commemorates the students' protest against the totalitarian regime in 1991 and serves as a reminder of the importance of the youth for the future.
Nowruz (Sultan's Day or Spring Day) - March 22, 2024
- Nowruz, also known as Sultan's Day or Spring Day, is a festive day celebrated by Albania's Bektashi community. This holiday, which marks the beginning of the Persian New Year, is filled with traditional food, music, and dance.
Sunday of the Orthodox Easter - April 5, 2024
- Easter is one of the most important holidays in the Orthodox Christian calendar. The date varies each year but in 2024, Orthodox Easter Sunday will fall on April 5. The Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday is observed with various religious ceremonies and family gatherings. It is a time for joy and renewal.
Catholic Easter Sunday - March 31, 2024
- The Catholic community in Albania celebrates Easter on March 31, 2024, which is based on the Western liturgical calendar. Like their Orthodox counterparts, Catholics attend church services, have family meals and engage in Easter traditions.
Labor Day/International Workers' Day - May 1, 2024
- Labor Day is recognized worldwide and Albania is no exception. This day is dedicated to honoring the economic and social achievements of workers. Parades and various social events typically take place, promoting workers' rights and international labor solidarity.
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) - Approximately May 10, 2024
- The exact date of Eid al-Fitr varies with the lunar calendar and is celebrated by Albania's Muslim community to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The date provided here is approximate and could change based on lunar sightings. It's a day of communal prayers, feasting, and giving charity.
Orthodox Eid al-Fitr - Approximately May 13, 2024
- Eid al-Fitr for the Orthodox Muslim community in Albania is also subject to the sighting of the moon and represents a day of celebration after fasting.
Martyrs' Day - May 5, 2024
- This day is a solemn national observance in memory of the martyrs who died during World War II. May 5th is dedicated to commemorating the sacrifices made for Albania's freedom and independence. Various memorial ceremonies are held throughout the country.
Saint George's Day - May 6, 2024
- Known locally as 'Shëngjergji,' Saint George's Day is widely celebrated in Albania, especially in rural areas. It is associated with the beginning of the spring and is marked by traditional activities, including agriculture fairs and folk performances.
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) - Approximately June 5, 2024
- Eid al-Adha is another significant religious holiday for Albania's Muslim population. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The date for Eid al-Adha is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar and, as such, the exact date may vary. Celebrants usually attend mosque, perform the Eid prayer, and offer a ritual animal sacrifice.
Assumption Day - August 15, 2024
- Assumption Day, also known as the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God, is a significant date for the Christian Orthodox believers in Albania. It commemorates the Assumption of Mary into Heaven and is celebrated with church services and family gatherings.
Mother Teresa Beatification Day - October 19, 2024
- This day is dedicated to Mother Teresa, the Nobel Peace Prize winner and Roman Catholic saint of Albanian origin. Her beatification by the Catholic Church is celebrated particularly in Albania with various religious and charitable events in her honor.
Independence Day - November 28, 2024
- Independence Day, or 'Dita e Pavarësisë,' commemorates Albania's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. It is one of the most important national holidays, characterized by official ceremonies, parades, and public festivities.
Liberation Day - November 29, 2024
- The day after Independence Day, Liberation Day is marked to remember the liberation of Albania from Nazi occupation in 1944. This day further strengthens national pride with respect to Albania's endurance and resilience through history.
National Youth Day - December 8, 2024
- Though also celebrated on March 7, this additional National Youth Day is dedicated to commemorating the student movement that led to the fall of communism in Albania in 1990. Events focused on youth empowerment and historical reflection are common on this day.
Christmas Day - December 25, 2024
- Christmas Day is celebrated in Albania by the Catholic and Protestant communities, who observe this day in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Families exchange gifts, attend church services, and enjoy festive meals together. It is a joyous time that is marked by a spirit of generosity and goodwill.
New Year's Eve - December 31, 2024
- As the year comes to a close, Albanians gather to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. New Year's Eve is celebrated with fireworks, concerts, and parties both in private and in public spaces across the country.
Remember that the exact dates of Muslim holidays may vary due to their dependence on the lunar calendar. In some years, Muslim holidays might even be observed twice within one Gregorian year. Additionally, some holidays that fall on weekends may be observed on the following Monday. It is advisable to confirm these dates as 2024 approaches to ensure accuracy.
Understanding Albania's public holidays provides insight into the country's cultural and religious tapestry. Whether you're an expatriate, a visitor, or a local citizen, these special days offer unique opportunities to experience and take part in the rich traditions and history that shape the Albanian way of life.