How the 25th anniversary of Independence was celebrated in 1937 – orders for religious prayers, flags and speeches throughout Albania

In November 1937, the Albanian Kingdom , through a Special Commission established by the government, organized a series of major events for the 25th anniversary of Independence . The document we are publishing today is a detailed instruction for prefectures, religious communities, municipalities, schools and the army , on how the ceremonies were to be held from November 26 to 28 .

The Commission announces that it has issued instructions throughout the country, according to these points:

1. Memorial meeting with speeches

Cultural associations in cities, such as “Simsa” and “Alpa”, are ordered to organize meetings where a commemorative speech will be given on the importance of the Declaration of Independence. If they do not have a suitable speaker, they should contact the prefectures.

2. Independence lesson in all schools

The Ministry of Education is ordered to give teachers half a day on November 26 to conduct a special lesson on the national and historical significance of November 28 .

3. Solemn meeting at chambers of commerce

In large cities (Shkodër, Vlorë, Gjirokastër, Tirana, Korçë, Berat, Elbasan, Durrës, Saranda), the Commission orders commemorative meetings to be held in chambers of commerce , where the mayors will speak about the importance of November 28 and a prepared speaker will give an extended speech.

4. Patriotic prayers in all faiths

• Muslim Community: It is ordered that on November 26 (Friday), religious-patriotic prayers be held in all mosques in the country .
• Autocephalous Orthodox Church: All churches to organize special prayers on November 28 , with a commemorative lecture on the importance of the day.
• Catholic Church: Religious celebrations have been authorized to take place on November 21 in all churches in cities and villages.

5. Raising the flag throughout Albania

One of the culminating moments would be the raising of the flag on November 28, at 5:26 PM , simultaneously in all cities and villages of Albania.
The flag would be raised by a person who was born in 1912 , to symbolize the 25th anniversary of independent Albania.

6. Military celebrations at army barracks

The National Defense Command is ordered to organize military ceremonies and commemorations in all barracks with the participation of officers and troops.

This document shows an extraordinary state organization in a still young Albania, which attempted to strengthen national identity through rites, symbolism, and the involvement of every state and religious institution .
The timing of 5:26 PM for the flag raising shows a care for symbolic details – so that Albania’s 25th anniversary would be celebrated with scheduled solemnity in every corner of the country.