Christmas market in Tirana? What does December joy look like in the capital of Albania?
Even though Albania is a country where more than 50% of its population follows Islam, it might surprise you that they enthusiastically celebrate the month of December just like any other predominantly Christian country. For 40 years Albania had no touch with any sort of religious celebrations, so the only thing they could celebrate was a New Year’s celebration where they used to treat each other with gifts and eat good food just like you would do so on a Christmas day, with of course, a dash of fireworks. While Christmas may not be the key focus of Albania’s December joy, New Year’s one definitely is.
So, what does December look like in the capital of Albania?
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It all starts on the 2nd of December, at Skanderbeg Square when the lights and the biggest Christmas tree come to life, and a Christmas market is opened. In the following days of December, all other Christmas trees across the whole city will be lit as well. Once it’s all set, the fun may begin!
The Christmas market, in addition to stands with a huge variety of food and drinks, and all kinds of December decorations and souvenirs, offers a festive spirit you haven’t had a chance to experience yet. All the visitors can also enjoy an amusement park and an abundance of lively music which makes this season even more joyful.
Around Skanderbeg Square, the festive spirit extends to bars, cafes, and restaurants, with each of them participating in the celebration. They adorn their spaces with decorations and craft special drink recipes suitable for the holiday season. As we heard, cocktails, in particular, seem to be in high demand.
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This year, just like for the past 22 years, an OSSAB Holiday bazaar will be held at the Rogner Hotel. At this bazaar, you will be able to enjoy the spirit of the festival with over 40 vendors offering all kinds of crafts and baked goods. What’s cool about it is that it is all for a good cause. A portion of the earnings will be donated to the OSSAB Angel’s Cradle Nursery which takes care of homeless children.
And of course, to wrap up the December joy, on the 31st of December, a big concert will be held at Skanderbeg Square with even bigger fireworks.
So, are you coming?
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DESK
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