Every October, the most frequented areas of the capital get a different look. Spiders, skeletons and pumpkins are placed in different spaces, details that herald the arrival of Halloween on October 31.

Even in the ancient culture of the Albanians, today almost unknown to a large extent, the ancestors honored the dead. The pumpkin was certainly not symbolic of this rite, but it was the food and the cleaning of the graves.]

“We also find in the Albanian tradition that today is the night of the many”, said Olsi Lelaj, scientific researcher, Institute of Anthropology.

“Generally, these types of holidays have a pagan element”, said Ardit Bido, General Director of the Archives.

While the parade and scary masking, for which Halloween is known, resembles the carnivals that have been held in Albania since before the communist regime, such as those of Korça, Shkodra, and Tirana, although little known.

“Halloween has connected its roots with this Christian area”, said Lelaj.

“Albanian traditions have been in this direction, despite the fact that the new generation is normally more Americanized”, said Bido.

In different areas and periods, which were mostly related to the beliefs of the communities, different ceremonies were held, otherwise known as the connection with the afterlife.

But even though it is ancient, only now this holiday is being embraced by young people, children and students who go to school in disguise on this day. But a lot has changed since the beginning of this holiday, which is now widely held just to have fun.