On the 28th of November of every year, Albania celebrates Flag Day (Dita e Flamurit), also named Independence Day (Dita e Pavarësisë). This is an official national holiday to commemorate the independence of Albania from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.

The history of this date, November 28th, goes back a few more centuries to 1443. On this day, Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg raised the Albanian flag on top of Kruja Castle as a symbol of resistance against the Ottoman Empire. However, despite some successful battles, Albania remained under Ottoman control for a few more centuries.

On the same day in 1912, the country finally became independent when the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Albanian flag was raised again in Vlora.

Flag Day or Independence Day is usually celebrated with festivities like activities for children and live music and Albanians meet up with their families and friends. The festivities continue the next day because November 29th is Liberation Day, on which the end of World War II is commemorated.