Upcoming Event

National Flag Celebration 2026

Festa e Flamurit Kombëtar: celebrate Albania’s Independence Day with Vatra, live music, and the Albanian-American community.

National Flag Celebration 2026 flyer View flyer
  • Date & TimeFriday, November 27, 2026 · 7:00 PM
  • VenueGreentree Country Club538 Davenport Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10805
  • Tickets$150 per person
  • PerformersGëzim Nika, Violeta Kukaj, Flori Lloga, Remi Jakupi, Argjend Lloga
For tickets, contact Ilir Cubi914-310-8355 Nazim Salihu860-922-3105 Anton Raja646-594-4747
  Reserve Tickets  Get Directions
Past Event · November 28, 2025

Albanian Independence Day 2025

Moments from Vatra’s celebration of Albania’s Independence Day. Tap any photo to view it larger.

Event flyer for Flag Day and the 113th Anniversary of Albania’s Independence 2025Event invitation · November 28, 2025 Albanian community joins in for Independence DayAlbanian community joins in for Independence Day Chairman Dr. Elmi Berisha speakingChairman Dr. Elmi Berisha Prince Leka speaking at VatraPrince Leka joined Vatra for Independence Day Honorable table at Albanian Independence DayHonorable table for Albanian Independence Day, 11/28/25 Albanian kids traditional dancingAlbanian kids performing traditional dancing Dr. Sokol Paja with familyEditor of Dielli Dr. Sokol Paja with family Besim Malota, Ilir Cubi and Bardh TomaBesim Malota and Ilir Cubi with Board Member Bardh Toma
Past Event · Royal Regency Hotel, New York

Vatra Convention

Delegates, branch leaders, and guests of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America gathered for the Vatra Convention during the United Nations convention week in New York.

Convention Officers Elected by the delegates

Col. Dritan Demiraj
Head of Convention

Col. Dritan Demiraj

Member in good standing of Vatra Michigan

MK
Deputy Chair of Convention

Mehmet Kadria

Member in good standing in New York

Mirela Kanini
Secretary of Convention

Mirela Kanini

Member in good standing with Vatra Chicago

Documentary

The History of the Pan-Albanian Federation Vatra, 2020–2026

Dokumentarë për historikun e Federatës Pan-Shqiptare Vatra 2020–2026

A documentary on Vatra’s recent years, shown at the Vatra Convention. Published by Vatra Michigan.

  Watch on Facebook

Convention Photos Tap any photo to view it larger

Part 1

Opening & the National Anthem

The convention opened with the whole hall standing, hand on heart, for the national anthem.

5 photos
The convention standing for the national anthemThe whole convention stands for the national anthem Members standing for the anthemStanding for the national anthem Angelo R. Bisceglie, Jr. and guests standing for the anthemAngelo R. Bisceglie, Jr. (center) and guests stand for the anthem at the head table Delegates with hands on hearts during the anthemHand on heart for the national anthem Delegates singing the national anthemDelegates sing the national anthem
Part 2

Chairman & Presidium

Chairman Dr. Elmi Berisha opened the proceedings, with the elected presidium leading the session.

3 photos
Dr. Elmi Berisha at the podiumChairman Dr. Elmi Berisha addresses the convention Dr. Elmi Berisha speakingDr. Elmi Berisha speaks to the members Convention presidium seated at the head table with the gavelThe convention presidium at the head table
Part 3

Speakers at the Podium

Guests, branch leaders, and Vatra’s legal counsel addressed the delegates.

7 photos
Angelo R. Bisceglie, Jr. at the podiumLegal Counsel Angelo R. Bisceglie, Jr. addresses the convention Member speaking at the podiumA member speaks at the podium Speaker at the convention podiumA speaker addresses the convention from the podium Guest speakerA guest speaker addresses the members Guest speaker in front of the Vatra sealGuest speaker in front of the Vatra seal Two speakers at the podiumTwo speakers share the podium Speaker at the podiumA speaker at the convention podium
Part 4

Voting & Debate from the Floor

Delegates voted on the convention’s decisions and raised their questions from the floor.

5 photos
Members votingDelegates vote during the convention Member asking a questionA member raises a question Delegate speaking from the floorA delegate speaks from the floor Delegate asking a questionA delegate raises a question from the floor Delegates talking around the podiumDelegates confer around the podium during a break
Part 5

Delegates in Session

Delegates and branch members from across the United States followed every part of the agenda.

13 photos
Front row of leaders and guestsLeaders and guests in the front row Younger members at the assemblyYounger members take part in the convention Members listeningMembers listening to the speakers Branch leaders and membersBranch leaders and members Members during the sessionMembers during the session Delegates during the conventionDelegates during the convention Members of the conventionMembers of the convention Delegates listening to the proceedingsDelegates listen to the proceedings Seated delegates following the sessionDelegates follow the session Delegates watching a screeningDelegates watch a screening during the convention Branch delegates in sessionBranch delegates in session The convention in sessionThe convention in session Delegates listeningDelegates listen to the speakers
Part 6

Together at the Convention

Delegates and guests gathered for a group photo and shared lunch during convention week.

2 photos
Vatra assembly group photoVatra delegates and guests at the convention Vatra leaders at lunch during convention weekVatra leaders share lunch during convention week
More Past Events

Recent Celebrations

February

18th Anniversary of Kosovo’s Independence

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November

Flag Day & 113th Anniversary of Albania’s Independence

View Event →
Community

Official Visit to Albanian Religious Communities in Michigan

View Event →