Mount Tomorr pilgrimage
Every August, from 20th to 25th, in Mount Tomorr there is a pilgrimage of the Muslim Bektashi sect. People from all around the world come for the most important Bektashi celebration. A sect founded in the 13th century by Haxhi Bektash Veli, who went to Albania with the Ottoman conquest. Their beliefs are based on the teaching of the Prophet Muhammad and the Koran, but are more open and tolerant and even it is allowed to drink alcohol. They consider themselves a doctrine for human perfection more than a religion. After driving slowly for more than an hour by mountain roads we arrive to Kulmak pass. There, people camp nearly the graves of the five founders of the Albanian Bektashism, few kilometers below of the highest peak of Mount Tomorr where is the grave of Abaz Ali, son-in-law of Mohamed. The most characteristic thing of the pilgrimage is the sacrifice of a lamb. After sacrificing the animal and removed the skin by professionals, the families enjoy eating it in the surroundings. Thousands of lambs are sacrificed during those days by experts. A continuous carousel is produced during the festival days of families carrying lambs to be sacrificed. Not only the Bektashi go up to the mountain to sacrifice lambs, but people of all religions approach to the holy Mount Tomorr making a festive atmosphere and cordiality among the assistants.