Bonus Episode: What is your most memorable New Year's Eve celebration?

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'.