It has become an annual tradition for Albanians living in the United States to celebrate their Flag Day on November 28th. In New York City, particularly on Staten Island, this celebration takes the form of a grand parade featuring luxurious vehicles adorned with red and black Albanian flags, showcasing national pride and unity.
Staten Island, one of New York City’s five boroughs, witnessed hundreds of Albanians, under the organization of the Albanian Roots and other community leaders, parading through the main streets in their expensive cars and motorcycles. The vehicles, ranging from high-end convertibles to motorcycles, were decked out with both the Albanian and American flags, along with various national symbols. Notably, the motorcyclists proudly displayed the emblem of Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, Illyrians, and a map of Greater Albania on their black leather jackets.
This tradition of a luxurious car parade with the Albanian flag in Staten Island has been ongoing for over five years, drawing attention and participation from the growing Albanian population in the borough. City officials acknowledge the significant contribution of the over 50,000 well-integrated Albanians to Staten Island’s development.
This year, marking the 111th anniversary of Albania’s Independence Declaration, hundreds of Albanians converged on the streets of “Father Capedano” and “Hylan Boulevard.” The parade featured a convoy of luxury cars, ranging from Coverts, Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Chevrolet, to sleek convertible sports cars, creating a spectacle as they cruised through the city streets, leaving tire marks behind.
Under the careful organization of Albanian Roots – Marko Kepi, and the support of community leaders like Jasin Gjokaj, Blendi Bekteshi, Metin Tim Mlloja, and others, the parade adorned Hylan Boulevard with 500 Albanian and American flags, creating a magnificent display in honor of our nation’s freedom.
Special thanks were extended to Belul Qoku’s family, who generously contributes each year to this event, donating flags and placing them strategically in the community centers. Their consistent support adds a unique touch to this annual celebration for the Albanian community in Staten Island, NY.
This year, the parade enjoyed organized traffic management, thanks to the newly elected city president and friend of the Albanian community, Vito Fossella. The NYPD ensured the smooth flow of the convoy, escorting the luxurious vehicles in an organized column, with regular traffic halted to allow the Albanian community to celebrate freely.
The festivities concluded with a ceremony at the Staten Island Borough Hall, the main municipal building for the borough. President Vito Fossella, in attendance along with local leaders, spoke about the significance of the day, honoring the red and black flag and appreciating the Albanian community’s rich culture.
In his address, President Fossella acknowledged the love and respect the Albanian community has for America and their national pride for the red and black flag, traditions, diverse and beautiful folk costumes, songs, and dances. He emphasized the importance of remembering and preserving the heritage that brought Albanians to the United States.
As Fossella mentioned, the sacrifices of Albanian ancestors for the freedom of their homeland are not forgotten. The gathering of Albanians from around the world in this great country to celebrate Independence Day serves as a powerful reminder that freedom and independence should always endure. The President expressed his gratitude for the community’s vibrant celebration, stating that it unites everyone, regardless of their origins.
