2024 Public Holidays in Albania

Public Holidays in Albania 2024

Albania celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its cultural, historical, and religious heritage. These holidays are occasions of national significance, marked by festivities, traditions, and commemorations. In this detailed guide, we will explore the public holidays in Albania for the year 2024, providing descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm across Albania. It is a time for gatherings, parties, and fireworks displays as people bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with hope and optimism.

Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Albania, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

Orthodox Christmas Day – January 7, 2024

Orthodox Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar, observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church. While the majority of Albanians are Muslims, there is a significant Orthodox Christian community in the country, particularly in the south. Orthodox Christmas is marked by religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals.

Days off: Orthodox Christmas Day is not an official public holiday in Albania. However, some Orthodox Christians may take the day off to celebrate religiously.

Summer Day (Dita e Verës) – March 14, 2024

Summer Day, or Dita e Verës, is an ancient pagan festival that celebrates the arrival of spring and the awakening of nature. It is observed with various customs and traditions, including outdoor picnics, folk dances, and the wearing of traditional Albanian costumes. Summer Day holds cultural significance as a celebration of renewal and rebirth.

Days off: Summer Day is not a public holiday in Albania, but it is celebrated by many Albanians with outdoor festivities and cultural events.

Nevruz Day – March 21, 2024

Nevruz, also known as Nowruz, is a pre-Islamic festival celebrated by various ethnic groups across Central Asia, including Albanians. It marks the beginning of spring and the Persian New Year. Nevruz is observed with rituals symbolizing rebirth, such as the cleaning of homes, the preparation of special dishes, and the lighting of bonfires.

Days off: Nevruz Day is not an official public holiday in Albania. However, it is celebrated by some Albanians, particularly those of Bektashi and Bektashi-influenced communities.

Good Friday – April 19, 2024

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed by Christians around the world. It is a day of solemn reflection and prayer, with many attending church services and participating in processions commemorating Christ’s sacrifice.

Days off: Good Friday is not a public holiday in Albania. However, it is recognized by the country’s Christian minority, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to observe the day.

Easter Sunday – April 21, 2024

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, according to Christian belief. It is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar and is marked by joyous celebrations, including church services, feasting, and the exchanging of Easter eggs and greetings.

Days off: Easter Sunday is not a public holiday in Albania. However, it is celebrated by the country’s Christian community, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to observe the day.

Labor Day (International Workers’ Day) – May 1, 2024

Labor Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement worldwide. In Albania, it is celebrated with rallies, marches, and events organized by trade unions and labor organizations. It is a day to advocate for workers’ rights and social justice.

Days off: Labor Day is a public holiday in Albania, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

Eid al-Fitr – April 2, 2024

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is one of the most important Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid al-Fitr is a time of joy, thanksgiving, and communal prayers. Families and friends come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and engage in acts of charity.

Days off: Eid al-Fitr is not an official public holiday in Albania. However, it is recognized and celebrated by the country’s Muslim community, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to observe the day.

Eid al-Adha – August 27, 2024

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is another major Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Eid al-Adha involves the sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep, goat, or cow, and the distribution of meat to the less fortunate.

Days off: Eid al-Adha is not an official public holiday in Albania. However, it is celebrated by the country’s Muslim community, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to observe the day.

Independence Day – November 28, 2024

Independence Day commemorates Albania’s declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. It is a national holiday celebrated with patriotic fervor, featuring flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural events. Independence Day is a time to honor Albania’s history, culture, and identity as a sovereign nation.

Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Albania, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

Christmas Day – December 25, 2024

Christmas Day is celebrated by Christians around the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. In Albania, where Christianity has deep historical roots, Christmas is observed with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts.

Days off: Christmas Day is not a public holiday in Albania. However, it is celebrated by the country’s Christian community, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to observe the day.

Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Albania 2024