Liberation Day in Albania
Albania marks Liberation Day on 29 November, remembering the final phase of the country’s liberation in 1944 and honoring the resistance and those who died. It is an official public holiday, with a paid day off for employees under the Labour Code and a Monday observance when it falls on a weekly rest day.[1][2]
Why Albania marks 29 November
The National Historical Museum traces the date to the final days of German occupation. After fighting around Shkodër, the German forces surrendered after midnight, and the National Liberation Army entered the city on the morning of 29 November 1944. The museum describes Shkodër as the last city held by German forces and the event as the completion of the country’s liberation.[2]
The date is associated with Albania’s National Liberation Anti-Fascist War. The museum’s account also records that Tirana had been liberated earlier that month and that the Democratic Government and the Presidency of the Anti-Fascist National Liberation Council entered the capital on 28 November.[2]
A paid public holiday under Albanian law
Article 86 of Albania’s Labour Code says work is generally prohibited on official holidays and employees retain the right to pay for those days. It allows exceptions set by a Council of Ministers decision or a collective employment contract. Employees who work on a public holiday are entitled to additional compensation under Article 87.[1]
The Labour Code says that when an official holiday falls on a weekly rest day, the day off moves to Monday. The rule applies to official holidays generally; the Bank of Albania’s own holiday schedule also lists Liberation Day as an official public holiday.[1][4]
Commemorations
Official commemorations have included wreath-laying at the National Martyrs’ Cemetery and the “Mother Albania” Monument. The government has described the day as one of remembrance for the sacrifice and resistance of those who died for Albania’s freedom. Ceremony details may vary, so check local announcements for events in a particular place.[3]
The National Historical Museum in Tirana has a pavilion devoted to the National Liberation Anti-Fascist War, which provides historical context for the observance.[2]
What visitors should expect
The Bank of Albania lists Liberation Day among the official public holidays on which the bank closes. Public offices and other businesses may set their own opening hours, and the sources consulted do not establish a nationwide schedule for shops or transport. Check with the specific office, venue or provider before making plans.[4]
Liberation Day in Albania: FAQs
When is Liberation Day in Albania?
It is observed on 29 November. If it falls on a weekly rest day, the Labour Code moves the day off to Monday.[1][4]
Is Liberation Day a paid day off?
The Labour Code gives employees the right to pay on official holidays and generally prohibits work that day, subject to specified exceptions. Employees who work on an official holiday are entitled to additional compensation under the Code.[1]
What does Liberation Day commemorate?
It remembers the final phase of Albania’s liberation in 1944. The National Historical Museum records that the National Liberation Army entered Shkodër on the morning of 29 November, after German forces surrendered.[2]
Are banks and shops open?
The Bank of Albania lists its own closure for the holiday. The sources do not establish uniform opening hours for other banks, shops or transport, so check with each provider.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Liberation Day in Albania:
- Kodi i Punës i Republikës së Shqipërisë- Qendra e Botimeve Zyrtare
- HALL OF THE ANTI-FACHIST NATIONAL LIBERATION WAR- National Historical Museum of Albania
- 81st Anniversary of Liberation: Albania Honors the Memory of Those Who Fell for Freedom- Council of Ministers of Albania
- 2026 Official Bank Holiday Schedule- Bank of Albania