TIRANA, February 12 – During the carnival period, Dr. Dorina Arapi, researcher at the Center for Arbëresh Studies and Publications (QSPA), conducts her second field expedition among Arbëresh communities in Italy.

She focuses her research on the village of San Demetrio/Shën Mitr Corone, also called San Mitr. Her study examines spring rituals. She emphasizes those preceding Easter. These include the Ritual of the Dead, Carnival celebrations, and Djelzit.

The most important festival in Arbëresh tradition is “Saturday of the Spirits.” This day honors the deceased. Communities refer to it by several names: “Byzantine Dead,” “Psychosabbaton,” “Saturday of Spirits,” “Week of Prigatorëvet or Përgatorëvet,” “Week of the Dead,” and “I morti albanesi.”

QSPA explained that commemorating the dead in the Arbëresh Byzantine rite belongs to the “Movable Feasts” cycle of the liturgical calendar. The calendar changes every year depending on Easter’s date.

Arbëresh belief holds that Christ allows the spirits to return to their homes during the festival days. Families reunite with the spirits during this period.

The festival demonstrates respect and remembrance for ancestors. It also reflects cultural and ethnic identity. The celebration highlights the spiritual connection between the living and the dead. QSPA noted that this connection serves as a dialogue between the past and the present.

QSPA added that the field data will provide a primary source for Dr. Arapi’s monograph. The publication is scheduled for this year.

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