“For the first time in the history of Zvecan municipality, a formal assembly was organized to mark November 28—Albania’s Flag Day,” Mayor of Zvecan, Ilir Peci, declared today. He addressed reporters in front of the municipal building, stating: „On this historic occasion, I extend my best wishes to all Albanians for this significant day.“
The assembly, held in the majority-Serb municipality, prominently featured Albanian national symbols.
The Albanian and Kosovo flags adorned the wall behind the speakers, complemented by black-and-red-themed attire worn by participants.
A Brief Ceremony in a Divided Context
The session, lasting around ten minutes, began at 9:00 a.m. with the Albanian and Kosovo national anthems, followed by two speeches delivered without translation. This occurred despite earlier assurances from Mayor Peci that translations into Serbian, Albanian, and English would be provided to ensure inclusivity.
Albanians across Kosovo celebrated Flag Day, marking the 112th anniversary of Albania’s independence.
Mayor Peci announced subsequent cultural events, including a program near the Isa Boletini Tower and visits to memorial sites, such as the graves of Adem Jashari and the Haradinaj family in Glodjani. A visit to the family of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi was also planned.
“No Reason For the Majority-Serb Community To Take This Badly”
When asked about the potential impact of the celebration on Zvečan’s majority-Serb population, who comprise over 95% of the municipality, Peci expressed confidence that it would not be perceived negatively.
„In my opinion, the Serbian population doesn’t view this as problematic because it’s a people’s celebration, not exclusive to Albanians. It’s for everyone across Kosovo. There’s no reason to take it badly,“ Peci stated.
However, when questioned by a KoSSev reporter why a similar celebration was not organized for Serbia’s National Flag Day on September 15, Peci responded that no such request had been made.
„As mayor, I respect the holidays of all minorities in our municipality and am open to organizing such events if requested,“ he clarified, noting that such requests could come from any resident or official in the municipality.
Zvecan’s demographic makeup includes Serbian, Bosniak, and Albanian communities, but the overwhelming majority remains Serbian.
The observance of Albania’s Flag Day in Zvečan was first introduced last year with a ceremony at Isa Boletini’s grave in the village of Boljetin.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
