Rooted in ancient traditions, both in time and style, Summer Day is a pagan festival unbound by religion. Known as the day to bid farewell to winter, it has long been celebrated not only in Elbasan but across Albania, particularly in Tirana.

The origins of Summer Day trace back to the sanctuary of the Fairy of Çermenika, located on the outskirts of Elbasan. This sanctuary was dedicated to the goddess of hunting, forests, and nature. According to folklore, the fairy would emerge from her sanctuary on March 14th, marking the arrival of spring. Passed down through generations, this folk festival has become a defining tradition of Elbasan, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage.

Each year, visitors from across Albania gather in Elbasan to welcome summer and indulge in traditional delicacies such as ballokume (a signature sweet), revani, sea bass, walnuts, and dried figs. These treats are traditionally gifted to children, who are the first to visit relatives and neighbors with well wishes.

On the eve of Summer Day, families come together to celebrate. At dawn, elders open their doors, bringing in fresh water and a green sprout as a symbol of renewal, while the youth compost oranges and olives. Throughout the day, Elbasan is alive with festivities—families gather, share meals, and revel in the joy of the season, surrounded by decorations that evoke the spirit of spring. If you have never experienced Summer Day in Elbasan, it is a celebration worth witnessing firsthand, with its warm atmosphere and exceptional cuisine.

Homes are adorned with flowers and fresh greenery, symbolizing new beginnings. During the night, friends and relatives sing traditional songs, accompanied by the rich flavors of Elbasan’s cuisine.

The festival unfolds in four phases: the preparatory phase, marked by gathering food supplies; Midsummer Night on March 13th, featuring bonfires; the morning of March 14th, when celebrations reach their peak; and the grand picnic at noon on March 14th.

As Summer Day approaches, an unspoken joy fills the air, perhaps inspired by the sunlight, the blossoming trees, or the promise of prosperity. The morning of March 14th is particularly special: Elbasan residents wake early, opening their doors to welcome good fortune while washing their eyes with water infused with summer flowers like violets and caracafte. Some drink water from the “loaf of pork,” a tuber found in forested areas, believed to bring health and prosperity.

Another enduring tradition is boiling eggs on the night of March 13th and using the water to wash one’s eyes the following morning. On Summer Day, many also wear a red-and-white striped bracelet (verore), which is later removed upon spotting the first swallow and tossed into brambles, believed to help the birds build their nests—a ritual symbolizing renewal and continuity. Wreaths are also woven and hung on doors for good luck.

Lunch on Summer Day is a lively tradition, often enjoyed outdoors in nature, where folk games and festivities take place. In Elbasan and Peqin, the night before is celebrated with raki, sea bass, ballokume, and an abundance of food. On this day, locals exchange heartfelt wishes for happiness and longevity.

Above all, Summer Day is synonymous with ballokume, a golden, sun-shaped dessert that has become its emblem. This large, sugar-rich cookie, made with wheat or corn flour, is a culinary challenge that Elbasan’s housewives have mastered, following a meticulous mixing process, traditionally using a wooden spoon in a copper bowl. If you know someone from Elbasan, be sure to ask them for a taste—only then will you truly understand how this dessert has been elevated to an art form.

No Summer Day would be complete without flowers and song. Generations of Elbasan’s residents have been known for their skilled gardening and love of music. The city blooms with jasmine, roses, violets, and carnations, cultivated specifically for this day. Traditional urban folk songs, such as A Garden with Roses, What Do You Want to See, Better in the Forest Than in the City, and Like the Nightingale in Spring, echo through the streets, sung not only by Elbasan’s residents but across Albania.

In addition to Summer Day, many cities also celebrate Summer Night, when bonfires light up the evening sky. These fires, meant to assist the sun in driving away winter, hold deep symbolic meaning. Children, guided by adults, light the fires, ensuring the tradition is passed on to future generations. It becomes a friendly competition as communities try to build the tallest, longest-burning flames. Songs, dances, and shared joy surround these fires, continuing a tradition that begins in early March, with March 11th, 12th, and 13th being the most significant nights.

On behalf of Radio Tirana International, we wish all Albanians a Happy Summer Day!

/RTI/