Albania has beautiful coastal cities, incredible food, ancient architecture, and breathtaking views, It remains one of the top tourist destinations in Europe.
The Albanian culture is diverse and rich in history. Every part of their culture from their food and dressing to their sport and music can be traced back to a period predating modern Albania.
As a foreigner visiting Albania for the first time, a basic understanding of the Albanian culture and lifestyle will make your visit more pleasing.
What are Albanians Known For?
Albanians are known for the following things.
1. Hospitality
Albanians are known for their hospitable and welcoming attitude towards visitors. Tourists immediately feel welcome when they arrive in the country because the locals are friendly and they offer assistance and refreshments to make you feel at home.
The friendly and hospitable nature of Albanians is not new to people familiar with the country and has been passed down from generation to generation.
As a foreigner in Albania, you would be treated kindly and with respect like you are an Albanian yourself.
2. Religious Tolerance
For a country that was dominated by religious dictators and monarchs for much of its history, Albania is known for its religious tolerance.
Albania is one of the few countries in the world where Muslims and Christians are welcome and treated as equals.
In Albania, you’ll see cathedrals, churches, and mosques built on the same street. There is no religious tension or discrimination and everyone regardless of their religious belief is welcome to stay.
3. The Kanun
The “Kanun” is a set of traditional and customary laws that guide the functioning of every part of the Albanian traditional society.
The “Code of Besa” is the most popular of these laws among Albanians and you are sure to hear it a few times during your visit. “Besa” is an Albanian word that means “Pledge of Honor.”
The code of Besa encourages Albanians to “keep to their word and promise.” Anyone that acts according to the Code of Besa is someone who keeps his/her word and you can trust.”
This code is largely respected and that is why the Albanians are so respectful and warm-hearted.
4. Traditional Clothing
Albanians are known for their colorful traditional attires.
Men in Albania wear the “Fustanella” – a white pleated garment and white trousers with a red and black embellished jacket. They also wear a white dome-shaped hat called the “Qeleshe.”
Women in Albania wear the “Xhubleta” – a long bell-shaped white skirt, a white shirt, and a red and black jacket.
You can wear whatever you want in Albania. However, you can try traditional clothing during your visit to show your love for Albanian fashion.
Note: Albanians wear traditional clothing only if there’s a family celebration, such as a wedding. They wear “normal” clothes like the rest of the world on normal days.
5. Albanian Flag
The Albanian flag has an eye-catching feature that is impossible to miss. The flag is red and black with a double-headed eagle at the center.
The red color represents bravery and strength while the black color represents the struggle and hardship the Albanians have gone through over the years.
The double-headed eagle represents Albania – The country is called the Land of Eagles.
6. Language
The official language of Albania is the “Shqip” but there are two local dialects popular among Albanians: “Tosk” which is common in the Southern part of Albania and “Greg” common in the Northern part of Albania.
The vocabulary of the Albanian language has resemblances in Turkish, Greek, and Slavic languages.
What is Albania’s Religious Culture Like?
Albanians are religiously tolerant. The religious culture in Albania is one without prejudice or discrimination as citizens and visitors are allowed to practice any religion.
The two dominant religions in Albania are “Christianity” and “Islam.”
In the last census (2011), 56.7% of Albanians declared Muslims, 10.3% Catholic, 2.39% “Bektashi”, 6.75% Orthodox, 5.49% have no religion, and 13.79% preferred not to declare their religion.
What is Albanian Food Culture?
Albanians offer food as a gesture of their hospitality, so it’s common to be invited to share meals during your visit.
Eating in Albania is done in groups and with families because it promotes togetherness.
You’ll also find a lot of baked and deep-friend treats on the streets of Albania. The “Petulla”, “Shëndetlie”, and “Tulumba” are customer favorites.
What is The National Dish and What Would You Eat in The Morning, Brunch, and Dinner?
The National food in Albania is “Tave Kosi” – a baked treat of rice, lamb, nutmeg, yogurt, and egg sauce. The dish is popular and a favorite of Albanians, so you can find it anywhere.
In the morning, start your day with a cup of coffee. Breakfast choices include Byrek (a mix of spinach, cheese, or minced meat), Simite (bread), and Aryan (a yogurt drink).
Lunch is a big deal in Albania and workers take breaks from work to go home to eat or have lunch with friends. For lunch, you can eat “Qofte” (seasoned meatballs) or “Chomlek” (meat and onion stew) often eaten with rice, salad, and lots of fish dishes.
Dinner in Albania is light where people will eat sandwiches, bread, or pasta. Most Albanians eat dinner before 8 pm, so if you stay up late at night, you might need a few snacks for when you get hungry. Albanians take sweets, nuts, fruits, and milk drinks.
Where is The Albanian Cuisine Influenced From?
Most dishes in Albania have origins in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Hungary. Albanian cuisine is largely Mediterranean which makes sense since it’s a Mediterranean country.
The average diet contains whole grains, healthy fat, fruits, veggies, and lots of protein including beef and seafood. Olive oil is largely used in the country, too.
What is Albanian’s Sports Culture?
Football (soccer) and Basketball are the two most famous sports in Albania. People team up to play in parks and courts, especially in the evenings and during the weekends.
Some of the local football (soccer) teams in Albania are Skenderbeu, KF Tirana, and Kukesi. While Kamza, Teuta, and Elbasani are some of the local Basketball teams.
Other popular sports in Albania are boxing, wrestling, and volleyball. Albanians also follow overseas sports leagues and competitions, so don’t be surprised if you see them talking about international teams and players.
What is The Music Culture of Albania?
Music is a part of the Albanian culture where most listen to folk music. Most of the Albanian Folk songs have historic significance as they help tell stories of old Albania.
However, while walking in the streets of Albania you will hear rap, techno, and different types of music.
You might be surprised to learn that some of the world’s biggest music stars are from Albania. Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha, Bleona, and Rita Ora are just some of the stars born and bred in Albania.
If you want to enjoy the Albanian music culture, visit the country during its holiday festivals and ceremonies – it’s a real party then.
