New Year Holiday in Albania

Two official holiday days

Albanian official materials list both 1 and 2 January as New Year holidays. The Labour Code says work is generally prohibited on official holidays and employees are entitled to pay for those days; exceptions may be set by government decision or collective agreement.[1][2]

The Code also says that when an official holiday falls on a weekly rest day, the holiday rest shifts to Monday. Check the applicable work calendar for an individual workplace, especially where weekly rest days differ from Sunday.[2]

A family-centred New Year

Visit Tirana describes New Year’s Eve as especially prominent during the communist period, when religious celebrations were suppressed. Its account links the season’s importance to household preparations and gatherings, but it should be read as a description of traditions rather than a rule observed identically by every family.[3]

The same account describes relatives and neighbours visiting on New Year’s Day to exchange greetings, often sharing sweets, drinks, fruit and desserts. It also notes that family meals and ways of celebrating have changed over time.[3]

Food and regional variation

The Visit Tirana account identifies bakllava as a customary New Year dessert and describes roasted or baked turkey, often served with përshesh, as a familiar festive meal. It also mentions meat pies and lakror in Gjirokastër, and fish or seafood among some communities near the sea or a lake. These are reported customs, not a menu followed by every household.[3]

Closures and practical planning

Because these are official holidays, public offices may not operate on their usual weekday schedule. The holiday status alone does not establish opening hours for each bank, shop, restaurant or transport service, so check with the specific provider before travelling or making plans.[1][2]