Albania is a small beautiful country in Europe with an area of 28,000 km2 and a population of 3.5 million people. Albania is an ancient country and all traditions have been saved and passed on throughout the years. There are many holidays that are celebrated by the Albanian people that include national and religious holidays. There are three major religions in Albania: Christian Orthodox, Christian Catholic, and Islam. All three religions have survived since years ago and people have lived in harmony with each other regardless of their beliefs This has been the reason that, besides national holidays, all the holidays of the
three different religions are celebrated throughout the country.

Albania's National Holidays are:

• January 1 - New Year
• January 11 - Declaration of the Republic of Albania
• March 7 - Teacher's Day
• March 8 - Women's & Mother's Day
• May 1 - Labor Day
• May 5 - Veteran's Day
• June 1 - Children's Holiday
• July 10 - Army's Holiday
• November 28 - Independence Day from the Ottoman Empire
• November 29 - End of WWII in Albania

As mentioned above, all religious holidays are celebrated nationally. Almost every Albanian family celebrates Christmas. On Christmas Eve, kids go out and knock on the doors singing Christmas songs. They get special Christmas treats with cookies, walnuts and winter fruits. On Christmas Day, all family members gather together and have a big dinner to celebrate. This time of the year is very
special that brings happiness to everyone.

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