Christmas celebrations bring joy to Albania's Christian communities

Dec 25, 2024 - Albania’s Catholic and Orthodox Christians are celebrating Christmas today, marking the birth of Jesus Christ with traditional church services and family gatherings.

The festivities began last night with a midnight Mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Tirana, where Catholics gathered to reflect and pray. Meanwhile, Orthodox Christians held their main Christmas service this morning at the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral, also in the capital.

For many, the day is about more than faith—it’s a time to connect with loved ones. Families broke their traditional Christmas Eve fast with festive meals, featuring dishes prepared specially for the occasion.

Leaders join in festive cheer

Albanian President Bajram Begaj shared a heartfelt message, urging people to reflect on values like love, forgiveness, and solidarity. "Christmas symbolizes hope and peace," he said, wishing joy and unity for all families in Albania and abroad.

Prime Minister Edi Rama also sent his greetings, accompanied by an image of a newly restored 17th-century Albanian icon, "Nativity," by artist Kostandin. The artwork, a piece of the country’s rich religious heritage, was created for the Church of St. Michael in Vithkuq, Korçë.

A tradition revived

Christmas celebrations in Albania hold special significance. Banned during the communist era, the holiday returned in the 1990s after decades of state-imposed atheism. Since then, it has become a beloved tradition, uniting communities and symbolizing a renewed spirit of faith and freedom.