For many people in the Balkans, where Islam, the Christian Orthodox tradition, and Catholicism coexist, New Year's Eve is the defining end-of-year celebration.

In Albania, the Christmas tree is called 'Bredhi, but it's not necessarily tied to Christmas- it's a symbol of New Year's festivities, a sentiment shared across much of the region.

For members of the Balkan diaspora, celebrating New Year's Eve in their host countries often stirs a mix of emotions: a blend of longing, nostalgia, and joyful celebration. These are bittersweet moments, filled with reflections on the past year and hope for the future.

In this episode of Diasporas Speaking, I invited fellow members of the Balkan diaspora to share their most memorable New Year's Eve celebrations- stories that reveal the unique ways they preserve family bonds, embrace their heritage, and look forward to new beginnings.

In this episode, we will hear from Aida Demorovié-Krebs, Arbër Qerka-Gashi Bernarda Radoncic, Fjolla Bunjaku, Ivana Alfonso, Leonarda Demolli, Leonita Galica, Semsa Salioski, and Vesa Maxhuni.

Intor music: North-Albanian instrumental.

Interludes: Vellezerit Aliu - 'Valle Instrumentale'.