The annual Albanian Roots Parade took place today, June 21, 2025, in Manhattan, New York, gathering thousands of Albanians from across the United States and beyond. The parade, organized by the non-profit “Albanian Roots,” celebrated Albanian heritage, culture, and identity in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
This year’s parade began at 10:00 AM local time from Central Park West & 81st Street and continued with a cultural festival on W 72nd Street. The event featured traditional Albanian music, dancing, food, and a vibrant display of red and black, with flags waving proudly throughout the streets of Manhattan.
Before the parade, New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosted a reception for the Albanian community, honoring the contributions and traditions of Albanians in the city.
As part of the festivities, “Albanian Roots” honored several distinguished individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Albanian-American community, including:
Hasan Metuku, Jasmin Novaj, Arvid Hoxha, Age Gjokaj Ivezaj, Blerim Koçani, Dilaver Duka, Joseph Saljani (posthumously), Ahmet Hoti, Fadil Berisha, Dibra Community Center, and Our Lady of Shkodra Church.
The event was also supported by former NYC Council Member Mark Gjonaj and other prominent community leaders. With the slogan “Roots keep us grounded, unity takes us far,” the 2025 Albanian Roots Parade once again served as a unifying force for Albanians in the diaspora.
I guess everybody forgot to come the street west 72 was shut down for one vendor wow guess that was great for the event, guess what New York City lost just expenses for sanitation and police and all the workers for the set up and breakdown
. I guess nyc has so much money they do not care. It was a sad day can not really say if there were spectators the food was free and who was on line the people in the parade.