March 22 is Nevruz Day for the Bektashi believers all over the world. In Albania, this festival commemorates the birthday of Ali ibn Abi Talib (died in 661 AD) and also marks the arrival of spring. The World Bektashi Headquarters is in Tirana.

On March 22, 1373, the Embroidery of the Epitaph of Gllavenica was completed, the second of its kind in Europe of the 14^th century. The epitaph is a masterpiece of medieval Albanian art that in terms of importance exceeds the limits of Albania.

On March 22, 1908 in Boston, U.S., Fan Noli, celebrated the first mass in Albanian language. On that day, the first church of Albanians in the US was founded, the church of Saint George.

On March 22, 1910, with the help of the club “Drita” /The Light/, the first Albanian school was opened in Labova, Gjirokastër.

On March 22, 1935, the prominent Albanian artist Aleksandër Moisiu passed away. From 1898, he played 43 roles on world’s stage and 12 roles in cinema. He passed away at the age of 56 in Vienna.

/a.p./