OUR E-MAGAZINE FOR FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS | Page 6

3rd Team UKRAINE MENTOR TEACHERS : ÖZLEM AND URSU
Due to it ' s historical , ethnic and religious backgrounds , Albania celebrates many different cultural and art festivals every year throughout the country . The biggest is the summer festival celebrated every year on March 14

3rd Team UKRAINE MENTOR TEACHERS : ÖZLEM AND URSU

Gjirokaster National Folklore Festival
The artistic music festival held every 5 years as one of the most important events of Albanian culture .
ALBANIA Because of Albanians history , ethnic and religious backgrounds , there are many cultural and arts festivals throughout the country . Every year Albanian people celebrate different festivals and holidays . One of the largest is the pagan Summer Festival . It is celebrated on March 14 and it is intended to commemorate the end of winter , the rebirth of nature and a rejuvenation of spirit amongst the Albanians . Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival is an artistic music festival that takes place every 5 years and is regarded as the most important event in Albanian culture . The festival promotes Albanian traditional music , dress and dance from Albania , the Diasporas , and Albanian inhabited lands throughout the Balkans . Kënga Magjike ( Magical Song ) is another major musical event in Albanian territories . It is a great mixture of singers and bands from Albania and neighboring countries . Songs from this contest have resulted in many hits for Albanians throughout the world . The most important Albanian holiday is Independence Day . It is celebrated on November 28 . It was declared in 1912 marking the end of ve centuries of Ottoman control . On March 8 Albanians celebrate the Mother ’ s Day . It ’ s generally celebrated in many of the same ways , as it would be around the world . One of the traditions is to give a simple gift of a mimosa sprig . Albanians are very keen to celebrate Christmas and New Year Eve . It is usually celebrated by staying up past midnight where reworks are involved . It ’ s usually spent with family and friends and there are usually large feasts , sweets and drinking .
ALBANIA