Dollia

Dollia (English: Toast) is an old and culturally significant tradition in Albania, consisting of raising glasses and clinking them to greet, honor, or congratulate a person, family, or special event. It is an important social and family ritual, present in, celebrations, weddings, anniversaries, and other occasions.

Dollia is a tradition passed down through generations, believed to have medieval roots. It is most known and developed in southern regions of Albania, such as Skrapar, Përmet, Gramsh, Berat, and Labëria region.^[1]

Dollia is an essential part of Albanian hospitality, expressing respect, love, and gratitude towards guests, family, and friends. The host often calls: "A do miq o i zoti i shtëpisë?" ("Friends, shall we?"), even late at night, and guests respond warmly: "Welcome!" The ritual is then honored by raising the glass.^[2]

Male participants are expected to follow the rules of dollia, which are considered inviolable. Dollia and rakia are inseparable, the saying goes: "If you mention dolli, you have mentioned rakia."

At the table, a dollibashi is appointed, usually one of the main friends, who directs the flow of dollia. The dollibashi addresses the guests with: "Të kam gjetur, mirësia e parë e të zotit të shtëpisë." ("I have found you, the first courtesy of the host.") Everyone is obliged to drink the glass entirely; those who do not comply are excluded from the table.

After the first dollia, the person addressed by the dollibashi responds: "Urdhër dollibash" ("Command, dollibashi"), signaling continuation of the ritual. Every person mentioned by the dollibashi must raise their glass.

The hierarchy of dollia follows a set order: the second most important person at the table raises their glass after the dollibashi, followed by others according to rank.

Different regions have distinct dollia traditions. In Skrapar, the ritual is called zabërzan, while in Gramsh it is known as sulovarçe. In the Mokra area, the ritual is more rigorous and formal.

Dollia represents a high level of Albanian hospitality and is closely associated with uniting people in family and social occasions. On 22 July 2025, by a decree of the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, dollia was declared a National Cultural Heritage of Albania, emphasizing its importance as an essential element of Albanian identity and culture.^[3]

Albanian Scholar Sherif Bundo, author of the monograph "Dollia shqiptare, institucioni shqiptar i mikpritjes", notes that dollia is most widespreaded in southern Albania, in areas such as Skrapar, Përmet, Tepelenë, Mallakastër, Berat, Gramsh, Librazhd, Pogradec, Devoll, and Kolonjë, though elements are also found in northern regions such as Pukë.^[4]

He say that the moral and philosophy of dollia does not depend on the amount of alcohol consumed, but on the strength, power of words, hierarchy, respect, and love expressed through the ritual.

During gatherings, dollia may occur multiple times, greeting and honoring attendees, distant relatives, newborns, newlyweds, and others. This tradition is respected as a sacred ritual of social unity.

At traditional Albanian dinners, dollia is often accompanied by folk songs and live music, creating a festive atmosphere.