Independence Day (Albania)

Independence Day is a public holiday in Albania, and it is observed on November 28 each year. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of Albania's independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.

Albania is a country in southeastern Europe, and people have lived in the area with different civilizations for thousands of years. During the 14th century, the Principality of Albania was formed, but it fell under the Ottoman Empire in the early 15th century.

Influenced by the French Revolution, Albanian intellectuals and patriots started the independence movements in the 19th century, and the Albanian League was formed in 1878 to unify the Albanian territories. Under Ottoman rule, Albanians were divided into four ethnically heterogeneous vilayets (provinces) to prevent Albanian national unification. Although the Albanian League was suppressed later, it became one important symbol of Albania's national awakening.

In 1912, an uprising was provoked in Albania, and it lasted 8 months, from January to August, which led the Ottoman government to accept all demands related to establishing a unified autonomous system of administration.

However, Albania's Balkan neighboring countries already planned to partition the territory. In October 1912, the Balkan allies (Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro) started the First Balkan War with the Ottoman Empire. To prevent being annihilated, Albania declared independence on November 28, 1912.

The following is the list of Independence Day in Albania from 2022 to 2026.

Please check more public holidays in Albania: