Since 1407, February 14th has been considered as Valentine’s Day.In Albania, the celebration of Valentine’s Day is a relatively recent tradition and has been imported from Western culture. Valentine’s Day celebration in Albania has become more widespread and valued in recent years, especially in urban areas and among young people. 

On February 14th, 1858, the patriot Filip Kraja was born in Shkodra. He was arrested and imprisoned in 1905 for spreading politically rebellious ideas. After his release, he fled to Italy. At the Albanianism Congress held in Trieste from March 1st to 4th, 1913, he was among the prominent figures of the nation, alongside activists like Faik Konica and Noli. He returned to his homeland after the liberation of Shkodra from the Montenegrins in 1913. Patriot Filip Kraja passed away on February 1st, 1933.

On February 14th, 1911, the first issue of the weekly political literary newspaper “Koha” was published in Korça, consisting of 4-6 pages, which was published for nearly 15 years until 1926.

On February 14th, 1947, an anti-aircraft regiment was established in Tirana, and on May 25th, 1955, Albania managed to open the Central Command and Radio-Technical Posts.

On February 14th, 1984, Gjon Mili passed away in New York City, USA. He was born in 1904 in Korça. In 1923, he arrived in the USA where he began photography as an amateur. Meanwhile, he also started writing. Three of his novels titled “Larg” (Away), “Ëndërr” (Dream), and “Nëna” (Mother) were published in the “Albanian Student” magazine in Turin in 1929. Later, he studied at the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), graduating as an illumination engineer. Gjon Mili used “electronic flash” and “stroboscopic light” for the first time. In 1937, he obtained the title of professor. His photographs with ultra-short exposure constitute one of the most interesting phenomena in the relationship between science and art. Gjon Mili also engaged in cinematography, directing six documentary films. Gjon Mili passed away in New York City at the age of 80.

On 14 February 1990 Saint Teresa received Albanian citizenship.

Mother Teresa, as the whole world knew Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu after dedicating herself to the priesthood at the age of 18, was born on August 26, 1910 in Skopje. Her passions as a girl were teaching, writing, dictating poetry, and music, which together reflect the strong feelings that led her to her supreme calling, religion.

On September 26, 1928, Mother Teresa left Skopje to begin her noble mission at the service of the poor, without knowing that from that day on she would say goodbye to her mother and sister forever. She settled in Calcutta, India, where she initially worked as a teacher, as she had always wanted. Subsequently she was appointed principal of the girls’ school.

As part of her service dedicated to the most needy, she founded the order of the “Missionaries of Love” (1951). For her unparalleled humility she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, it was precisely on that occasion that the whole world knew her Albanian nationality.

/k.s/