December 31st dinner is a worldwide holiday. Everyone celebrates the arrival of a new year, which is greeted with fireworks, celebration and kisses at midnight, which is a tradition in many countries. But what distinguishes Albania from other countries? It is precisely these traditions.
Thorough cleaning of the house
A few days before the New Year, Albanians got to work thoroughly, cleaning everything, from curtains, carpets to armchairs. Even if something is clean, it will be cleaned again! These are known as "New Year's chores" and are done to find the house clean and tidy next year.
The table is full of food and the turkey should not be missing
In Albanian families, that night it is very important that the table is full. There should be no shortage of different types of food, sweets, drinks and lots and lots of meat. New Year must find the table full. Ah, by no means forget the turkey, they also included the Russian salad. Without them, the New Year makes no sense.
Constant toasts
New Year's Eve is the night of the dolls. The word "happy" is heard more often than any other word.
Pie with lek
Another Albanian tradition is cooking the pie with one lek inside. Who gets the lek is the person who will have more luck in the coming year.
Characteristic cakes, baklava
The typical New Year's cake is undoubtedly baklava and there is no kadaif or any other kind of cake that can take its place. Baklava is prepared many days in advance and all the guests who come home are treated ... not in times of pandemics to be understood;).
Congratulatory messages
On the 31st throughout the day, but mostly at dinner, congratulatory messages are never lacking. In fact, they used to be so prevalent that telephone lines were blocked and the message could arrive the next day.
Who will be the first to enter the house on the morning of January 1st?
It is important that a small child, preferably a boy, enters the house first. Also, the one who enters first must enter with the right foot to bring as much prosperity as possible.
