March 14 is a national holiday in Albania, when we all enjoy ball games, have fun with children outdoors, have picnics, and celebrate the pagan holiday, which has its origins in antiquity.
Summer Day marks the beginning of the year and was celebrated centuries before the birth of religions. It was celebrated on March 1 of the Julian calendar, which coincides with March 14 of the Gregorian calendar, and although it is considered a tradition in the city of Elbasan, it is celebrated throughout the country, from north to south, according to the specific traditions of the regions.
We celebrate it because it is an authentic holiday and is associated with the revival of nature, as well as symbolizing a new, prosperous year.
The genesis of this holiday begins with the shrine of the Fairy of Çermenika, built near Elbasan and known as the goddess of hunting, forests and nature. According to myths, the Fairy of Çermenika emerged from her shrine only on March 14th.
The traditional dessert of this holiday is ballokumja.
Also, a special detail of the holiday is the veror, which is placed on the wrist and is created by combining red and white peut. The veror is removed from the wrist when you see the first swallow. Then, it is placed on a flower or tree for the swallow to pick it up and bring you luck.
