STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Featured in this week’s Staten Island’s Best Dressed are photos from inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children’s Party on Sunday, Nov. 16.
More than 300 parents, children, relatives and supporters gathered at Grand Oaks Country Club in Huguenot and celebrated with song, dance and delicious food. The colors of red, white and black — the colors of Albania — were spotted in all the elegant decor.
For those unfamiliar, red symbolizes bravery and the bloodshed during the fight for independence, while the black double-headed eagle represents sovereignty and national identity.
The highly anticipated event, hosted by the Dibra Community Organization — also known as Shoqata Atdhetare Dibra — filled the ballroom with laughter, Albanian music and attendees dressed in traditional clothing as families celebrated their heritage together.
Noil Shemsiu enjoys the Albanian Kids Independence Day. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
For many, the gathering was more than a party — it was a reminder of identity.
“This organization is here to preserve our identity,” said Hakim Budzaku, the group’s new president. “You have so many kids who are being assimilated into Staten Island culture, which is great, but they also forget their Albanian identity — where they come from, where their ancestors came from.”
“It’s important to remind them of the sacrifices that our ancestors made to immigrate here and create better lives for our people,” Budzaku added. “Our organization aims to preserve our identity. Our events are fun but they are also an education for the children.”
Arber Greva and Biodina Behluli enjoy the Albanian Kids Independence Day. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)Courtesy Arber Jashari
ABOUT THE DIBRA COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
The Dibra Community Organization is a nonprofit focused on supporting and unifying members of the Dibran Albanian community across the United States. The group centers its work on three main principles: opportunity, tradition and progress.
Its programs aim to foster a setting where individuals can grow, succeed and give back, strengthening connections within the community while helping people reach their potential.
According to the organization, preserving the culture, values and heritage that define the Dibran Albanian identity is a key priority, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots.
The group also emphasizes innovation and continual improvement, encouraging new ideas that can shape meaningful change and support a vibrant, evolving future for its members.
Scroll below for a glimpse into the event. To be considered for future installments of this column, please send high-resolution photos with a brief description of the event and names of everyone pictured to gsantos@siadvance.com.
Sara Lleshi, left, Nita Lleshi, Gjon Lleshi, and Eva Lleshi enjoy the Albanian Kids Independence Day. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
Naya Duraku and Qendresa Durakuenjoy the Albanian Kids Independence Day. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
Valbona Goga, left, Leon Goga, Artie Goga, and Armani Goga enjoy the Albanian Kids Independence Day. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)Courtesy Arber Jashari
More than 300 parents, children, relatives and supporters gathered Nov. 16, 2025 at Grand Oaks Country Club in Huguenot to celebrate the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children’s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
From left, Arber Kuka, Donika Kuka, and Nezat Kuka enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children’s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
Lunah Kolari, Amijet Klobocista enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children’s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
Fropm left, Fitore Leshi, Lorela Leshi, Leandra Leshi and Valon Leshi enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children’s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
Saranda Begu, Liliana Begu, Robert Bajram Begu, Dibran Begu enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children’s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
Lendina Gorenca, Hana Gorenca enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children’s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
Fatjona Rexha, Safiya Rexha, Sarinah Rexha, Besart Rexha enjoy the festivites. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
Liana Delmar and Fatime Delmar enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children’s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
Aria Shemsiu, Iris Vojka, and Alma Shemsiu smile for the camera. 
Adelina Veliu, Arta Vojka, Yllza Duka enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children’s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
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