Alphabet Day in Albania
Albania marks Alphabet Day on November 22, linking the annual observance to the Congress of Manastir and the history of written Albanian. The Congress did not settle on just one alphabet: its delegates approved both the Istanbul and Latin alphabets, while the Latin alphabet later became the basis of the alphabet used today.[1][2]
An Albanian observance rooted in language history
The Congress of Manastir met in 1908 amid efforts to expand Albanian-language schools, clubs, newspapers and books. The National Historical Museum records that the Congress sought an alphabet suited to Albanian and voted to use both the Istanbul alphabet and a Latin alphabet. The museum describes the present-day Albanian alphabet as having been established at the Congress.[2]
November 22 is the date attached to the observance in Albania’s state ceremonial calendar. A 2024 Council of Ministers decision added “22 November – Alphabet Day” to that calendar and removed the earlier November 20 entry.[1]
A public holiday and a paid day off
The Bank of Albania includes Alphabet Day in its published list of official public holidays. Albania’s Labour Code says work is generally prohibited on official holidays and employees retain their right to pay; it also sets compensation rules for permitted work on a holiday.[3][4]
Those rules do not establish that every business or service closes. The Bank of Albania’s own schedule identifies its closure dates, while shops, transport and other services may set their own arrangements. Check directly with the office, business or operator you plan to use.[3][4]
Commemorations and places to learn more
An Albanian consular report on a 2024 commemoration in Manastir describes an event at the Museum of the Albanian Alphabet, other activities in the city, a visit to an Albanian-language library and visitors arriving from Albania. This is one documented observance; it does not establish a fixed programme or custom across Albania.[5]
In Albania, the National Museum of Education in Korçë presents the history of Albanian writing, publications and alphabets, including the alphabet associated with the Congress of Manastir. Visitors can check the museum’s current opening information before planning a visit.[6]
Planning for the day
For practical arrangements, confirm opening hours with banks, public offices, museums and transport providers. The Bank of Albania publishes its holiday closures, but its schedule does not establish opening hours for other organisations.[4]
Frequently asked questions
When is Alphabet Day in Albania?
It is marked on November 22. Albania’s state ceremonial calendar lists that date for Alphabet Day.[1]
Is it a public holiday and a day off?
The Bank of Albania lists it among official public holidays. The Labour Code says work is generally prohibited on official holidays and employees retain their right to pay, subject to exceptions for some work.[3][4]
Will shops and transport be open?
Opening arrangements can differ by provider. The Bank of Albania publishes its own holiday closures, so check with the shop or transport operator you plan to use.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Alphabet Day in Albania:
- Vendime të miratuara në mbledhjen e Këshillit të Ministrave, datë 2 Maj 2024- Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania
- HALL OF ALBANIAN RENAISSANCE- National Historical Museum of Albania
- Kodi i Punës i Republikës së Shqipërisë- Qendra e Botimeve Zyrtare
- 2026 Official Bank Holiday Schedule- Bank of Albania
- Kremtohet me madhështi Dita e Alfabetit në Manastir- Consulate General of the Republic of Albania in Struga
- Museums- Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania