THE 115TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MALËSIA Uprising WAS CELEBRATED IN NEW YORK

Sokol Paja
New York, April 18, 2026 – The Malësia e Madhe Association – New York brought together compatriots, patriots and activists of the national cause to commemorate and honor the 115th anniversary of the Malësia uprising, a historical event that has left an indelible mark on national history. This celebration honors with respect and appreciation the contribution of Albanian patriots who gave everything for the freedom and independence of the Homeland. The Malësia e Madhe Association in New York has contributed substantially to patriotic and patriotic activities in New York for more than three decades by uniting, leading and promoting the national interest in the Albanian diaspora in the United States of America.
With the excellent and elegant presentation of Veronika Junçaj and Sakib Beqaj, the festive evening began with the national anthem of the Republic of Albania sung by Gjystina Bojaj and the anthem of the United States of America. The 1911 Malësia e Madhe Uprising, led by the brave mountaineer Dedë Gjo Luli, was an important historical event with a comprehensive character for the interests and rights of Albanians.
The chairman of the “Malësia e Madhe” association, Mr. Senad Lulanaj, in his speech emphasized that the Malësia e Madhe Uprising was a nationwide message and inspiration for the Independence of Albania. The Malësia Uprising is a testament to protecting national history, tradition and the Albanian language, said Mr. Lulanaj, among other things.
The main speaker of the evening was Attorney Linda Nikaj. In her speech, she said that tonight we celebrate a great moment in our history — the Malësia Uprising, led by our national hero Dedë Gjon Luli. On April 6, 1911, we raised our ethnic flag, the flag that symbolizes our identity and survival. Those who fought for us — from Dedë Gjon Luli in Deciq to those who sacrificed during the war in Kosovo — did not fight for our identity to fade. They fought for our identity to remain — and flourish! Tonight, as we honor the 1911 uprising, we honor not only resistance and perseverance, but also triumph, achievable only through unity, said Av. Nikaj, among other things. According to her, tonight we honor the moment when a small province rose up against a great empire and declared its existence to the world.
The flag raised on that mountaintop became the spark that led to Albania’s independence in 1912. She concluded her speech with the wish “I wish each of you to achieve greatness as enduring and powerful as the mountains of the Great Highlands.”
The Folklore Ensemble “Bashkimi Kombëtar” with artists Vasel Shkreli with lute, Tomë Gjergji – singer, Haxhi Zeneli – singer, Sadik Gjokaj with flute, Gjergj Dedvukaj with recitation prepared a performance with several rhapsodies, melodies, songs and poems with typical and traditional instruments and songs dedicated to the uprising of the Highlanders. The party continued until late hours under the brilliant entertainment of Malësori Prenkoçaj and Viki Camaj.