Gendered Aspects of Migration from Southeast Europe The research The project  

Φωτογραφία
Yonka having a party with friends at the park, Volos 2005.

« We go, yes, in groups, because my sisters are also here. My family is here. We mostly go on Sunday evenings. I wake up late in the morning because I’m tired. I just want to rest for one day. I’ll normally do some housework and then I’ll pay my family a visit. We come and go at each other’s houses. Sometimes we set up something among ourselves. We even eat together. We are very close to each other. I notice it’s not only me but most of us do that…it’s not bad. There is a need for family warmth and communication. For Albanians because of financial limitations. We visit each other very often, within families. We invite each other for dinner at home for example. Because it is difficult for two families to go out for dinner. Instead you can go and visit your cousins or siblings. »

Andrina (41, Albania )

« Yes, we used to celebrate on every occasion, since we don’t have a house of our own. Where can you go? You can’t hold a party at other people’s homes. So when there is some kind of celebration, for example birthdays or name days, every woman wants to treat. So, there [at the park] she can meet all other women. And most of us used to gather there and so the one who was holding the celebration would bring something and treat the others. […] Sometimes at Easter or at Christmas we may get together somewhere. But that isn’t certain. During those days, you know, it’s difficult for a woman who works as a domestic helper to get together with the others. She has to stay at the house she works for, at her job. Because at that time the bosses are celebrating and we’re working! And there’s no free time for us to celebrate. »

Svetlana (50, Bulgaria )

Entertaining

Culture When the kids go out Performing identities Remittances Media worlds Mediatic borders Return Nostalgia Betwixt and between Moneybags Send a photo! Stay on the line! Entertaining Hometown girl, hometown boy Name change Whose side are you on? Traditions from home New traditions