Southeastern Europe (Balkans)
Southeastern Europe (Balkans) Albania Christmas (Krishtlindjet) on 25 December is a public holiday in Albania, a nation with significant Muslim and Christian populations, and is celebrated by both Orthodox and CatholicAlbanians. However, even some non-Christian Albanians celebrate them. The Albanian wish is "Gëzuar Krishtlindjet!". People go to church at midnight on 24 December, or during 25 December. The Christmas atmosphere is felt not only in the capital city, Tirana, but also in many other cities, for example in: Korça, Shkodra, Lezha, Durrës, Berat etc. The rituals and traditions are very similar to those practiced by the other European Christian nations. Romania and Moldova Main article: Christmas in Romania Christmas (Romanian: Crăciun) in Romania falls on December 25 and is generally considered the second most important religious Romanian holiday after Easter. In Moldova, although Christmas is celebrated on 25 December like in Romania, 7 January is also recognized as an official holiday in Moldova. Celebrations begin with the decoration of the Christmas tree during daytime on 24 December, and in the evening (Christmas Eve, in Romanian: Ajunul Crăciunului) Moş Crăciun (Father Christmas) delivers the presents. The singing of carols is a very important part of Romanian Christmas festivities. On the first day of Christmas, many carolers walk through the streets of the towns and villages, holding a star made of cardboard and paper on which are depicted various scenes from the Bible. Romanian tradition has the smallest children going from house to house, singing carols and reciting poems and legends during the whole Christmas season. The leader of the group carries with him a star made of wood, covered with metal foil and decorated with bells and coloured ribbons.
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