Orthodox believers across the country are celebrating Easter today, one of the most important holidays in the religious calendar, by participating in the Resurrection Mass of Christ in churches and cathedrals.
In Tirana, the central ceremony was held at the "Resurrection of Christ" Cathedral, led by Archbishop Joan. During the midnight mass, believers lit candles and received the "holy light," which they bring to their homes as a symbol of hope, peace, and new life.
Orthodox Easter is accompanied by numerous religious and family traditions. After the conclusion of the mass, families gather around the festive table, featuring red eggs—a symbol of the blood and resurrection of Christ—as well as traditional dishes such as lamb meat, kulaç (a type of bread), and other foods prepared after the Lenten period.
One of the most well-known customs is the egg cracking, a symbolic ritual associated with fate and prosperity, where each person tries to crack the other's egg.
The festive atmosphere continues throughout Easter Sunday, with visits among relatives and exchanges of greetings. Easter represents the transition from sacrifice to hope, strengthening spiritual and family bonds, while conveying messages of peace, love, and resurrection.