TIRANA, July 21 /ATA/ - Albania has officially recognized its centuries-old ritual of raising a toast, known as “Dollia, as a national intangible cultural heritage, highlighting the ritual’s deep-rooted role in the country’s hospitality customs, the Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Bledi Gonxhja said on Monday.

Often described by the expression “Salt, bread and heart,” Albanian hospitality places a strong emphasis on the symbolic act of welcoming guests - with "dollia" seen as its ceremonial pinnacle.

The ritual was recently inscribed as a National Asset of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the National Council of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A toast or dollia is typically delivered during meals, wedding parties, feasts, and formal gatherings to honor guests, express joy, and elevate the spiritual connection between hosts and invitees. It is considered a moment of solemnity and celebration, intended to make guests feel respected and at home.

Minister Gonxhja described the “dollia” as “a masterpiece of raising guests to a place of honor,” and a hallmark of Albania’s social fabric

- both ancient and modern.

The ritual features a “dollibash,” or head of the table, who leads the ceremonial exchange of toasts and good wishes with the host, creating a moment of shared respect among guests. Over time, Dollia has become a moral code of social etiquette, blending elements of Albania’s spiritual and communal heritage.

/u.sh/