The Albanian Community in Lecce Celebrates 110 Years of Albania’s Independence

On 28 November 2022, the Albanian community of Salento gathered in Lecce to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Albania’s Independence through an event dedicated to history, language, traditions and national identity.

The celebration was organised by the Albanian language school “Vatra Jonë”, ASAL Student and the association Fermenti Lattici and took place at the community centre in Via Roma. Families, children, institutional representatives and members of Lecce’s cultural and civic community attended the event.

The 28th of November is one of the most important dates for Albanians around the world. It commemorates the declaration of independence in 1912 and renews the connection with the national flag, historical memory and the cultural roots of Albania.

The evening was designed not only as a celebration, but also as an educational and community-building occasion. Through the voices and performances of the children from the “Vatra Jonë” school, the audience explored important aspects of Albanian history, language and traditions.

The programme also featured well-known singer Meli Hajdëraj and professional dancer Irma Duka, whose performances brought music, energy and traditional Albanian dance to the celebration.

The participation of the children gave the event a particularly meaningful dimension. Passing the Albanian language and cultural heritage on to younger generations is one of the main objectives of “Vatra Jonë” and the organisations involved in the initiative.

Representatives from the Municipality of Lecce, the academic and religious communities, and local cultural organisations also attended, including Silvia Miglietta, Monica Genesin, Paola Leuci, Papas Nik and Cecilia Maffei, together with members of Albanian associations and the wider local community.

Music, a festive atmosphere and shared moments of conviviality contributed to an evening centred on connection between people and cultures. The event was an opportunity not only to commemorate a key moment in Albanian history, but also to recognise the contribution of the Albanian community to the social and cultural life of Lecce.

Through this initiative, ASAL Student and its partners reaffirmed the importance of preserving cultural roots while promoting integration, active participation and dialogue with the local community.

Event information

Event: 110th Anniversary of Albania’s Independence
Date: 28 November 2022
Venue: Community Centre, Via Roma, Lecce
Organised by: “Vatra Jonë” Albanian School, ASAL Student and Fermenti Lattici