Every year on 28 November, red and black flags fill the streets of Tirana, Pristina, Skopje and Albanian communities around the world. 28 Nëntor is Albania’s Flag and Independence Day, and it marks two moments in Albanian history.
1443: Skanderbeg raises the flag
According to tradition, it was on 28 November 1443 that Skanderbeg raised his flag, the black double-headed eagle on red, over the fortress of Krujë, beginning 25 years of resistance to the Ottoman Empire.
1912: independence in Vlorë
Nearly five centuries later, on 28 November 1912, Albanian delegates met in the port city of Vlorë. Led by Ismail Qemali, they declared Albania independent from the Ottoman Empire and raised the same eagle flag. That is why the day is called both Flag Day (Dita e Flamurit) and Independence Day.
How it is celebrated
The day is a public holiday in Albania, followed by Liberation Day on 29 November, making a long weekend of parades, concerts and family gatherings. In Kosovo and across the diaspora, from London to New York, Albanians wear the eagle, wave the flag and share food and music with friends.
Something to wear on the day
Our Albania 1912 Independence T-shirt was made for 28 Nëntor, and the embroidered Illyrian Split Eagle T-shirt works all year round. Everything is made to order, so allow time for production and delivery: see our delivery times before you order.
Shop the collection: Albanian T-Shirts · Albanian Hoodies · Albanian Caps · Albanian Kids & Baby Clothes