Albanian leaders joined thousands in Vlorë on Friday to raise the national flag and commemorate the 113th anniversary of the country’s declaration of independence, a pivotal moment in 1912 that ended five centuries of Ottoman rule.
President Bajram Begaj, Prime Minister Edi Rama and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani attended the ceremony at Flag Square, the symbolic site where independence was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. Begaj shared photos from the event on social media, extending greetings to Albanians worldwide and hailing the day as a “beacon of national pride and unity.”
In a separate message, Rama and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti issued joint congratulations, framing the occasion as a forward-looking milestone for Albanians in Europe. “As a European nation, our eyes are turned to the future, to a third November,” they said in a statement, alluding to aspirations for further regional integration.
The European Union Delegation in Tirana also sent greetings via social media, posting: “Happy Independence Day, Albania! Gëzuar 28 Nëntorin!” The message underscored Albania’s EU accession path, emphasizing shared values of democracy and resilience.
From Pristina, Osmani described November 28 as the “axis of national pride,” while Kosovo’s political parties conveyed warm wishes to ethnic Albanians and Albanian institutions, calling it “one of the most sacred moments in our history.”
The U.S. Mission to NATO echoed the sentiment, labelling Albania a “trusted partner and friend” in a post: “Happy Albania’s National Day.” NATO’s KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo added: “Happy national day to our Albanian allies.”
Celebrations drew ethnic Albanians from Kosovo, with crowds gathering ahead of the flag-raising amid heightened preparations. Security was tight, though no incidents were reported.
The holiday, known as Flag Day, honors Ismail Qemali’s assembly of delegates who raised the double-headed eagle banner amid Balkan Wars turmoil. It remains a cornerstone of Albanian identity, uniting communities across borders in Albania, Kosovo and beyond.