Berat Local Customs

Both in 2007 and in 2009, we visited Albania in late May. Both times, we noticed that there were often busses loaded with a whole class, visiting museums, historical places or places of interest. That has to be “end of year” travels. We noticed that in Butrint, at Syri i Kalter, at Gjirokaster and here at Onufri museum. On this photo, this was a college class, but just before, there was a class with small kids. Each of them wanted to pet our little dog. In the beginning, he enjoyed it but they were about fifty … and he felt that enough was enough!

Under Enver Hoxha regime, city cleaning was performed by Romas, mainly women. This is still the case in 2009. For security purpose, they have been given orange reflecting jackets. What I have noticed is that at least some of them wear it all day long, even when they are not working.

Berati is not a place for high heels - being all its lanes cobbled. In fact you'll come across quite some people walking barefoot with shoes in their hands, so as to wear them when they reach downtown.

What if you get married and you have understandably chosen this location for your wedding photos and film? Do as the bride in the picture: go barefoot. No one will look strangely at you.