Beatrice Hamblett Photography

Prom Night in Permet

2 min read

The town square in Permet, Albania is lively on a summer’s evening. Kids are whizzing by on bicycles and scooters and little and big girls stroll across the square hand-in-hand. Young mothers are guiding their little ones who are eager to try out new legs with a free sprint around the cascading  fountain. Cafes on the square are filled to capacity.

But tonight there’s a feeling in the air—something bigger is about to happen. Down the center promenade a red carpet is spread although a brisk wind has already left it somewhat disheveled. Suddenly car horns are braying as dark shiny cars speed into the square. They circle the town then quickly stop, each spitting out a glamorous young woman assisted by a young man both dressed in shimmering formal attire. A young local next to me explains:

“Prom Night. There’s my beautiful sister over there—take our picture?”

Soon the whole square if full of couples and their friends and families. Photographers with powerful lights descend upon them for candid shots. One young woman wearing an azure blue gown full of flounces and extending in a 6-foot train looks as regal as a peacock. She obediently smiles and poses. Her classmate obliges me too puckering her lips in a naughty pout. She leans dangerously toward the camera her opulent breasts about to leap from the scant confines of her bodice.

Then the march begins. Each couple has their moment of fame as they step forward alone and are met by a slew of cameramen.

Yes, it is Prom Night, a celebration of high school studies finished, a launching of youngsters into the adult world of work or college studies. Perhaps each girl and boy will never again be as fresh and young and innocent as they appear tonight. 

Then fireworks fill the darkness above the square and all look skyward until suddenly the magic subsides and one after another, the couples seek their dark automobiles and disappear into the night. A long night that promises delicious food and strong drinks, dancing until dawn and perhaps new love consummated on a dark forest road after the party is done.

Prom Night in Permet

2 min read

The town square in Permet, Albania is lively on a summer’s evening. Kids are whizzing by on bicycles and scooters and little and big girls stroll across the square hand-in-hand. Young mothers are guiding their little ones who are eager to try out new legs with a free sprint around the cascading  fountain. Cafes on the square are filled to capacity.

But tonight there’s a feeling in the air—something bigger is about to happen. Down the center promenade a red carpet is spread although a brisk wind has already left it somewhat disheveled. Suddenly car horns are braying as dark shiny cars speed into the square. They circle the town then quickly stop, each spitting out a glamorous young woman assisted by a young man both dressed in shimmering formal attire. A young local next to me explains:

“Prom Night. There’s my beautiful sister over there—take our picture?”

Soon the whole square if full of couples and their friends and families. Photographers with powerful lights descend upon them for candid shots. One young woman wearing an azure blue gown full of flounces and extending in a 6-foot train looks as regal as a peacock. She obediently smiles and poses. Her classmate obliges me too puckering her lips in a naughty pout. She leans dangerously toward the camera her opulent breasts about to leap from the scant confines of her bodice.

Then the march begins. Each couple has their moment of fame as they step forward alone and are met by a slew of cameramen.

Yes, it is Prom Night, a celebration of high school studies finished, a launching of youngsters into the adult world of work or college studies. Perhaps each girl and boy will never again be as fresh and young and innocent as they appear tonight. 

Then fireworks fill the darkness above the square and all look skyward until suddenly the magic subsides and one after another, the couples seek their dark automobiles and disappear into the night. A long night that promises delicious food and strong drinks, dancing until dawn and perhaps new love consummated on a dark forest road after the party is done.

Details

Categories: AlbaniaPermet