Former members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) in Albania who are currently members of the Association for the Support of Iranians Living in Albania (ASILA) celebrated two similar occasions each renowned in Iran and Albania.
Since one of the missions of ASILA is development of cultural interactions between the two countries, the start of Spring is an opportunity for friendship of both cultures. This was the second year that Iranian and Albanian members of ASILA celebrated these occasions together.
![ASILA members at the Albanians Dita e Verës (Summer Day) celebration](https://www.nejatngo.org/en/wp-content/uploads/ASILA-Elbasan-202303-1.jpg)
ASILA members at the Albanians Dita e Verës (Summer Day) celebration
![ASILA members at the Albanians Dita e Verës (Summer Day) celebration](https://www.nejatngo.org/en/wp-content/uploads/ASILA-Elbasan-202303-3.jpg)
ASILA members at the Albanians Dita e Verës (Summer Day) celebration
![ASILA members at the Albanians Dita e Verës (Summer Day) celebration](https://www.nejatngo.org/en/wp-content/uploads/ASILA-Elbasan-202303-2.jpg)
ASILA members at the Albanians Dita e Verës (Summer Day) celebration
![ASILA members at the Albanians Dita e Verës (Summer Day) celebration](https://www.nejatngo.org/en/wp-content/uploads/ASILA-Elbasan-202303-4.jpg)
ASILA members at the Albanians Dita e Verës (Summer Day) celebration
Every year on March 14, Albanians celebrate Dita e Verës (Summer Day), the country’s largest pagan festival. People celebrate the end of winter, the rebirth of nature, and a rejuvenation of spirit among Albanians.
On the other side of the world, in Iran, Festival of Fire or Red Wednesday (Chaharshanbe Suri) is held on the Last Wednesday of the year (marks the arrival spring). Fire and light hoped for health and happiness through the coming year. It falls on the last Tuesday evening of every Persian calendar year. Iranians come out with friends and family to celebrate and enjoy this occasion.
Festival of Fire or Red Wednesday (Chaharshanbe Suri)