Albania Marks 112th Anniversary of Independence and Flag Day

NOVEMBER 28, 2024 — Albania celebrates the 112th anniversary of its independence and Flag Day today, commemorating the historic declaration of independence on November 28, 1912, when Ismail Qemali raised the national flag in Vlora, report City News Albania.

During the 1912 event, Ismail Qemali was declared the speaker of the Assembly and became the first head of government of the newly independent Albanian state.

This year, Prime Minister Edi Rama extended his congratulations to Albanians worldwide, sharing a message that echoed across prominent landmarks: “Good morning and with the echo of the song ‘Për ty, Atdhe,’ from Flag Square in Vlorë, Rozafa Castle in Shkodër, and Skënderbej Square in Tirana, I wish you a Happy Independence Day.”

According to Euronews Albania, Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj hosted a reception at the Palace of Brigades attended by representatives of Albanian communities from within and beyond the country’s borders. In his remarks, Veliaj stated, “This November 28, we Albanians celebrate the 112th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Albania… when the soul turns red and black… and every Albanian loudly exclaims, ‘Oh, how good it is to be Albanian.’”

The Municipality of Tirana has organized various social and cultural activities to mark the occasion, including a parade on the “Dëshmorët e Kombit” boulevard. This event, now in its second year, brings Albanians from around the world to celebrate together in the nation’s capital.

Image: Christoph Strässler, CC BY-SA 2.0