SUMMER DAY

This festival(Dita e Verës) marks the beginning of spring. Like the Greek Martis (March¹ ), it has its origins in ancient rites. As in other Balkan countries, a bracelet of red and white thread is hung on the wrist, to be removed when the swallows arrive. It's also traditional to clean houses and eat ballokume, a round cornmeal cookie. The festival is mainly celebrated in Elbasan and the south of the country, but is also a national holiday.