Ask any Albanian about 28 November and you will get a smile. It is Flag Day, Dita e Flamurit, and it is celebrated wherever Albanians live. Here is what the day marks and how to celebrate it, at home or abroad. For every other date, see our Albanian holidays calendar.
What 28 November commemorates
On 28 November 1912, Ismail Qemali proclaimed Albania’s independence in Vlorë and raised the red flag with the black double-headed eagle. The date was not random: by tradition, Skanderbeg raised the same flag over Krujë on 28 November 1443.
And 29 November
The next day, 29 November, is Liberation Day in Albania, marking the end of the German occupation in 1944. It is also a public holiday, so the two days are often celebrated together. Historians still debate the date, because different cities were freed on different days.
How Albanians celebrate
- In Albania: an official ceremony in Vlorë, where independence was declared, and a giant flag raised in front of the crowds in Skanderbeg Square in Tirana.
- Across the Balkans: the day is marked in Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and the Preševo Valley.
- In the diaspora: flag raisings, community gatherings and concerts. In Canada, Albanian communities raise the flag at city halls, and in recent years it has also been raised at the Ontario Legislature in Toronto.
Ideas to celebrate wherever you are
- Wear red and black, or something with the eagle.
- Hang the flag from your balcony or window.
- Get the family together around the table, and put on the songs your parents played.
- Tell the kids the story: Skanderbeg in 1443, Ismail Qemali in 1912.
- Share your photos and tag @albanianandproudstore or use #AlbanianAndProud.
Looking for a Flag Day gift?
Start with the eagle. See the first pieces in our shop, or read our Albanian gift guide for the other dates worth celebrating.
Sources: Wikipedia: Independence Day (Albania) · Wikipedia: Liberation Day (Albania) · Exit News · Anadolu Agency · Tirana Times