Dita e Verës or Verëza is an Albanian spring festival and pagan holiday celebrated in Albania on March 14 of the Gregorian calendar (March 1 of the Julian calendar). In the old Albanian calendar, Verëza corresponds to the first three days of the new year (Kryeviti, Kryet e Motmotit, Motmoti i Ri, Nata e Mojit) and marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the summer season on the spring equinox . Dita e Verës has its roots in traditional Albanian religions, Greek and Roman.
Dita e Verës, the hot season
Dita e Verës is celebrated on March 1 in the Julian calendar, the first day of the new year (which is March 14 in the Gregorian calendar). It is celebrated in both the Northern and Southern regions, but with regional differences. Bonfires are traditionally lit in courtyards elsewhere in Albania with the function of chasing away the darkness of the winter season and strengthening the sun.
The Sanctuary of Diana of Cermenika, located in the Albanian town of Elbasan, celebrates Diana the goddess of forests, greenery and nature. The hallmark of this holiday is the baking of ballokume, a sugar cookie made from Albanian corn. In Lezha, the Dita e Verës fires are lit to signify the purity and strength of the sun. Although the holiday continues to be highlighted in the ancient city of Elbasan, it is celebrated by all Albanians.
A Red and White woolen bracelet called “Verore” is worn to celebrate the start of summer. This, along with other Balkan March summer traditions, is an “intangible cultural heritage” recognized by UNESCO.
The festival maintains a family and traditional atmosphere, in which parents, children and families celebrate together. On this day, Albanians congratulate themselves on living a long and happy life.
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