TIRANA, November 26 – Across the United States, Albanian communities are marking November celebrations with a series of events honoring their heritage and national pride. In New Jersey, the Albanian American Alliance organized a major celebration for the 113th anniversary of Albania’s Independence, featuring parades of cars and motorcycles through Garfield and culminating at the local elementary school. Festivities continued in Lodi, Passaic, Hackensack, and the Bergen County seat, including formal ceremonies and festive academies.

Albania’s Ambassador to the US, Ervin Bushati, addressed the gatherings, emphasizing the critical role of the diaspora in preserving Albanian identity. He highlighted the symbolic importance of raising the Albanian flag in major US cities, describing it as a moment of unity and pride that brings together Albanians from all regions, including KosovA, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Calabria, and Greece. Bushati also noted the community’s successful integration, commitment to education, and active social contribution.

The ambassador underscored that these events are not limited to New York and New Jersey but extend to Florida, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Texas, and other American cities, strengthening connections between the diaspora and the homeland. “These celebrations create a living bridge,” Bushati said, “bringing the pride and identity of Albania across the ocean and back to our country”.

Reporter Denion Ndrenika for RTSH-24 highlighted the festive atmosphere, noting the participation of Albanian police and sheriffs, and pointing to milestones in diaspora engagement, such as the election of Violeta Berisha as the first Albanian-American mayor of Fairview and the installation of Mother Teresa’s bust. He described the events as combining political, social, and cultural dimensions, forming an inseparable part of Independence Day celebrations and reinforcing pride in Albanian roots.

/a.p./