3, 2, 1... Tirana has officially entered the most beautiful period of the year. Already back in tradition, the 'Skënderbej' square is illuminated by hundreds of Christmas and New Year's lights. The ceremony started with festive songs and continued with the speech by the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, who invited everyone to keep the good light "on" within themselves, to carry forward good works for the family and the country. Veliaj said that it is very important for everyone to be more supportive, more loving and help each other, especially this month of holidays.
"Besides the holidays at the Bazaar, the Castle, the Lake, the Zoo, or here in the square, I wish that each of us keep on the "good light" that we have inside us and every time we wake up in the morning, ask ourselves a question: " Will I wake up today and do good or bad? Today will I encourage people or will I talk and curse them? Today will I carry forward good work for the family, for the country, for the city or will I become someone's obstacle? It is very important that this light that we light today, we keep it lit all the time of the holidays. I want these holidays to be full of solidarity and kindness and love. My request to everyone is: If you have a little extra candy, help someone who doesn't. If on New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, during the holidays, you have more food than you need, help someone who needs it more; if you have enough sweaters and t-shirts, give them to someone who may not have the opportunity to celebrate like everyone else," Veliaj said.
The mayor asked the citizens of Tirana to invite as many family members as possible, who have them inside or outside the country, to spend the holidays in the capital.
"It is very important that these holidays have endless love. This year Tirana was the European City of Sport. I am so enthusiastic that many of Tirana's youths are engaged in sports activities. Tirana has had the largest number of tourists ever, so we want the holidays to generate economy. If you have cousins and relatives, friends, family, invite them to spend the holidays in Tirana, because by spending in Tirana, we create economy for our country and employment for our people. Today we light the first and biggest tree in Tirana, to continue the festivities throughout this month, with solidarity, love and kindness for each other!", concluded Veliaj.
"Skënderbej" Square has turned into a mini-party town with a super-atmosphere for all those who will visit it.
