As you may be aware of, Albania is a predominantly Muslim country. As such, many may worry that Christmas is not celebrated in Albania, or at the very least it’s not particularly popular. So is it? Is there a Christmas Eve with Father Christmas (of some sort) in Albania?
Christmas in Albania
Yes, actually. Christmas is, in fact, celebrated in Albania, though it’s not a major holiday in the country due to the dominance of Muslims and because Albania was actually a country that used to ban any such religious celebrations. Most of the celebrating falls on the Christian minorities, mostly Orthodox and Catholics. Even still, the Christmas atmosphere is evident in the street decorations and illuminations, especially in the larger cities. While Muslims don’t celebrate Christmas, some of the customs are slowly sneaking into their traditions anyway. You’ll surely find a few dressed-up Christmas trees, for instance, in Tanara. As in any other country, Christmas is celebrated on 25 of December. Albanians are very family-oriented and usually even Muslims tend to celebrate Christmas with their Christian friends and family during this period.
Albania and Christmas Eve
Christian homes in Albania have a traditional Christmas dinner on Christmas Day, with stuffed turkey and baklavas for dessert.
Christmas customs in Albania
Giving presents to loved ones is also celebrated here, though Santa Claus is mostly associated with Coca-Cola here than anything else. Albania also has a Midnight Mass, something we refer to in Poland as ‘pasterka’. Generally, Christmas in Albania is mostly what we’re used to, just a little minimalistic due to the authorities’ efforts to suppress any such customs. As a result, Albania has more focus on the New Year’s celebrations.
Gëzuar Krishtlindjet
That’s Merry Christmas in Albanian. Gëzuar Krishtlindjet to all of you, no matter whether you’re celebrating Christmas at home or in Albania this year.
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