Independence Day (Flag Day) in Albania

Independence Day (Albania), also widely known as Flag Day, is celebrated each year on November 28, commemorating the day in 1912 when Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire and raised its national flag in the city of Vlorë.

History of Independence Day (Flag Day) in Albania

On November 28, 1912, 83 delegates from across Albanian territories met in Vlorë under the leadership of Ismail Qemali and proclaimed the end of Ottoman rule, establishing Albania as an independent nation.
On that same date Albanians also recall an earlier historical moment: in 1443 the national hero Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg raised a version of the Albanian flag in the town of Krujë — making November 28 a double-symbolic date linking medieval resistance with modern statehood.

Why Independence Day (Flag Day) in Albania is Important

Independence Day (Flag Day) is more than a historical commemoration; it’s a celebration of national identity, unity and freedom for Albanians at home and abroad. On this day the flag with its black double-headed eagle on red becomes the central symbol of shared heritage and pride.
It offers a moment for reflection on the sacrifices, struggles, and hopes of previous generations, from medieval resistance to 20th-century liberation, and reinforces the value of self-determination and cultural continuity.

• It commemorates the formal founding of the Albanian state in 1912.
• It honors centuries of resistance and national identity, symbolized by the Albanian flag.
• It reinforces unity among Albanians worldwide, regardless of where they live.
• It educates new generations about their history and heritage.
• It provides a chance to celebrate Albanian culture, language, and shared values.

How to Observe Independence Day (Flag Day) in Albania

In Albania, the day is celebrated with official ceremonies, flag-raising, concerts, parades and cultural events. Streets, balconies, and public buildings are draped in red and black, the national colors, as a show of unity and pride.
Many people attend events in Vlorë, where the original declaration took place, or in the capital Tirana and other towns, while others abroad mark the day by flying the flag, hosting gatherings, or sharing stories of Albanian heritage with family and friends.

• Hang or wave the Albanian flag to show respect and solidarity.
• Attend or watch cultural events, concerts or parades if available locally.
• Read or share history of Albanian independence with family or community.
• Cook or enjoy traditional Albanian food and invite others to learn about it.
• Use the day to reflect on freedom, identity and unity — personal or collective.

Independence Day (Flag Day) in Albania Dates Table