TIRANA, November 28 – Vlora entered the Independence Day atmosphere today. Music, colour and energy filled the city. At the same time, the main public spaces moved into full preparation mode.

As the morning advanced, Vlora underlined its identity as the city where the national flag rose for the first time. Because of this role, the celebration took on added meaning. In this spirit, the central boulevard and the coastal area offered a wide programme of festive activities.

Meanwhile, red-and-black colours covered the “Ismail Qemali” boulevard and the main squares. To strengthen the visual unity, national symbols appeared across the city. In addition, several buildings carried large flags that shaped the overall atmosphere. Decorations lined the streets and added rhythm to the city’s look. Two giant flags stood on the new multifunctional centre and created a striking effect. Because of these elements, the festive feeling grew stronger.

As the programme expanded, folk dancers in traditional costumes and singers with patriotic songs moved through the streets. In parallel, residents and visitors from across Albania joined the celebration and built a wide community mood. With this engagement, cultural groups performed in several neighbourhoods and widened the festive map.

Later in the day, RTSH reporters noted strong public participation. They highlighted the mix of folklore music and patriotic performances that filled the city. In their view, the celebration offered a return to the roots of national identity.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Flag Square shifted into final preparation mode for the official ceremony. Thousands of residents and visitors from all Albanian-inhabited regions plan to attend. In the same direction, the ceremony will gather citizens, state leaders and representatives of high institutions. This event will bring the multi-day preparations to a close.

Fier opens its independence celebrations

In Fier, Independence Day celebrations began earlier this week. From the start, the city built a strong patriotic atmosphere. As the main event approached, crowds increased and strengthened the public mood. In response, the central square turned into a large stage with red-and-black colours and traditional motifs.

In this environment, the event “Shqipëri o Nëna ime” (“Albania, My Mother”) brought together the National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances and the local ensemble “Myzeqeja”. Both groups delivered intense dance and song performances and raised the artistic level of the programme.

At the same time, Fier used the celebration to honour the historical journey of Ismail Qemali. The Myzeqe region served as a safe corridor for him and the delegates who travelled in November 1912. Each year, Fier recalls this journey through cultural performances that keep the memory alive. Through this approach, the city links the past with the present and brings history to today’s audience.

In addition, folk music and dances from Myzeqe mixed with a broader national repertoire. Because of this programme, the city entered the final stage of preparations for the Independence anniversary. The activities will continue until 28 November.

Shkodër hosts “The Independence Table”

Further north, Shkodra dressed in red and black on the eve of 28 November. Throughout the week, the city coordinated several cultural events and built strong public participation. As the programme advanced, attention turned to one of the key activities: “Sofra e Pavarësisë” (“The Independence Table”), which Mayor Benet Beci described as the biggest event of its kind.

According to an RTSH 24 reporter, the event “Sofra Shqiptare në zemër të Shkodrës” (“The Albanian Table in the Heart of Shkodër”) revived the tradition of hospitality that unites Albanians. Throughout the week, the table showcased bio products from all Albanian regions. In addition, it presented authentic flavours and cultural heritage. Visitors moved between stands and tried regional dishes. As the evening progressed, the festive energy increased.

Tonight’s event concluded with a formal dinner. More than 200 guests from all Albanian-inhabited areas attended. In addition, Mayor Benet Beci welcomed President of Kosova Vjosa Osmani and Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Elisa Spiropali. Their presence added political weight to the event and strengthened its regional importance.

Shkodër mayor message

After the dinner, Beci shared his message in a social media post. “An extraordinary evening in Shkodër. Tonight we set the Independence Table, the largest table ever organised in the heart of Shkodër,” he wrote. He also thanked the high-level guests. “I had the pleasure to stand with two distinguished friends of Shkodra: the President of the Republic of Kosova, Vjosa Osmani, and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Elisa Spiropali, along with more than 200 guests from all Albanian regions.”

/a.p./