Independence and Liberation Days in Tirana are Festive Days held on 28-29 November in Tirana. They include a series of activities.

Independence Day is linked with the 28th of November 1912, when the noble Albanian man, Ismail Qemali, raised the Albanian flag in Vlora to declare the independent state of Albania from the Ottoman Empire after 500 years of occupation. Ismail Qemali is considered the father of the new Albanian state, who chose to raise the flag on the same date (28 November 1443) when Skanderbeg (Gjergj Kastriot Skenderbeu), the Albanian hero, raised the Flag in Kruja as a symbol of resistance against the Ottoman Empire. It was the same flag with a two-headed black eagle on red, which has been the symbol of Albanians for centuries.

Every 28th November, some activities are organized in Tirana, even though the center of events is still Vlora. The activities in Tirana start with students and pupils all dressed in red and black and singing and dancing in the city center. Music from Tirana Band and other concerts are foreseen during the day and the Evening. We also celebrate this day with Albanians in Kosovo as one nation, with several cultural events on Kosovo Cultural Week.

29 November is considered Liberation Day by the Nazi troops during World War II and is celebrated during the communist regime. Now, this day is celebrated as White Night (Nata e Bardhe), when some concerts and significant activities center Tirana.

Both days are holidays and are completed with activities. If you want to see our national pride, come and celebrate with us the November Festive Days of Albania.