Is Holy Saturday a Public Holiday in Albania?
Holy Saturday is not a public holiday according to Holidays 2019. Most businesses, stores, and shops as well as all schools, universities, and government offices remain open on this day.
Holy Saturday Celebrations in Albania
Both Catholics and Orthodox Christians visit separate places located in Albania to mark the occasion. Catholics pay a visit to the Saint Stephen’s Cathedral located in the city of Shkoder. On the other hand, the Orthodox Christians attend Church services organised at the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, located in the capital city of Tirana. This Cathedral is regarded as one of the largest Christian Cathedrals in Albania.
People on this day attend Religious Vigils and Special Prayers till midnight to welcome Easter. It is a common sight for local Christians to gather at the public squares around eleven at night and be a part of the vigil while carrying a well-lit candle. When the clock strikes twelve, you can see locals proclaiming “Christ is Risen”. This marks the end of the Lent Fasting, which means people can consume food and gorge on delicious food and drinks. It is a common practice for locals to make a Holy Cross on the front doorway of their house by using the soot from their candles. This is considered as a form of protection from the Evil for the coming year ahead. However, the soot from the candle must only be used if the candle remains lit until the natives return back to their homes.
Holy Saturday Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Sat | 20 April | Holy Saturday | Observance |
| 2020 | Sat | 11 April | Holy Saturday | Observance |
| 2021 | Sat | 3 April | Holy Saturday | Observance |
| 2022 | Sat | 16 April | Holy Saturday | Observance |
| 2023 | Sat | 8 April | Holy Saturday | Observance |
| 2024 | Sat | 30 March | Holy Saturday | Observance |
| 2025 | Sat | 19 April | Holy Saturday | Observance |