Albanian Flag raised for Independence Day Cleveland City Hall November 26, 2025
Members from the Cleveland Albanian community gathered on the steps of Cleveland City Hall to raise the flag of Albania and celebrate Albania's Independence Day.
According to Grokipedia, Independence Day in Albania, observed annually on November 28, commemorates the Albanian Declaration of Independence from the Ottoman Empire, proclaimed on that date in 1912. The declaration involved the raising of the double-headed eagle flag on the provisional government's building in Vlorë, symbolizing national unity and the end of centuries of Ottoman subjugation.
The Albanian flag consists of a red field bearing a black double-headed eagle, a design rooted in medieval Albanian heraldry and revived by nationalists to represent vigilance against Ottoman domination, as the two heads signify watchfulness in both eastern and western directions.
On the cold and wet morning, Safet Hysenaj, Chairman of the Albanians of Cleveland group, thanked the crowd for attending and made a few remarks.
City of Cleveland Community Relations Director Angela Woodson welcomed the group and confirmed that this will be an annual event. She shared a proclamation from Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb.
Here is a video and some photos from the event.
***
Stay informed about the local Albanian community and the other ethnic groups in Cleveland by signing up for the free Ethnic Cleveland eNews mailings. It's easy and free. Fill out the form for the free Ethnic Cleveland eNews.
