The legend of April Witches in Albania

In Albania, there is a legend known as the April Witches, which is associated with the unusual cold weather that occurs in April.

In mid-March, we celebrate the arrival of Spring. Flowers bloom, the sun shines, and the weather becomes warmer.

However, by April, heavy rains return, sometimes accompanied by snowfall.

According to legend, at the end of March, three women living in a mountainous region were excited that winter had finally come to an end. They decided to climb to the highest peak to celebrate, chanting, “Goodbye winter, go to hell, and take all our troubles with you.”

But Winter was not pleased to hear this. He decided to return and teach the older women a lesson. Despite it being April and the season of spring, Winter chose to make a comeback. He asked February to lend him a few cold days to freeze the older women, reminding them that winter is a natural phenomenon worthy of respect.

Tragically, the women succumbed to the cold, but soon after, proper spring arrived again.

As a result, every April, there are 3-7 days when cold weather returns unexpectedly, resembling a sudden winter in the middle of spring.

During this time, it may rain or even snow in some areas. However, after this brief chill, the sun shines, and the temperatures rise.

The legend also claims that there is a mountain in the Berat area that resembles the shapes and faces of the three witches.

(Note: This is a reminder that this week is expected to be a bit cold and rainy.)

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