\u200bHosted by the Albanian American Open Hand Association Inc. and supported by the Belmont Business Improvement District, the annual festival highlighted the importance of the Albanian presence in the Bronx while bringing together local businesses, families, friends, and visitors from all across the world.<\/p>\n
\u200bSeveral vendors lined up as Albanian flags waved above high, live Albanian music performance, food stands, bouncy houses and face painting for kids \u2014an endless spread of joy.<\/p>\n
\u200bFor business owners, the festival represented more than an annual event\u2014it reflected years of immigration, practice, hard work and cultural preservation and growth within the Albanian community.<\/p>\n
\u200b\u201cHonestly, it represents culture, pride, and bringing people together,\u201d said Pishanti, the owner of 039 Fast Food on Arthur Avenue. \u201cFor the Albanian community, it\u2019s a way to celebrate who we are and where we come from, while sharing that with the Bronx. It\u2019s not just for Albanians, it\u2019s for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pishanti said holding the festival in Bronx Little Italy feels especially meaningful because of the longstanding connection between Albanian and Italian communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s real history and a shared culture there,\u201d he said. \u201cAlbanians and Italians have been connected for centuries geographically, culturally, even through communities like the Arb\u00ebresh\u00eb in Italy. So doing it in Bronx Little Italy makes it feel authentic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Over the years, Albanian-owned businesses have become a new foundation of the Little Italy community. Now, reaching five years of hosting this annual festival further embeds business owners in the neighborhood tradition.<\/p>\n
\u201cReaching five years means it\u2019s become a real tradition, not just a one-time event,\u201d Pishanti said. \u201cEvery year it gets bigger and more organized, and people look forward to it.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s festival held special significance for him, as it was his first time participating as a business owner after previously managing Prince Coffee House, just a few doors down from 039 Fast Food.<\/p>\n
\u200b\u201cI always dreamed of having my own business, and now I\u2019m focused on building something that will last for a long time,\u201d he said. \u201cBeing on Arthur Avenue, with all its history, makes it even more meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n
His restaurant serves Albanian-style street food inspired by his hometown, Peja, Kosovo; including a signature burger topped with a fried egg and feta cheese.<\/p>\n
\u200b\u201cWhat really makes it different is the fried egg and feta cheese,\u201d he said. \u201cMany non-Albanian customers are skeptical at first. But once they try it, they end up loving it.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_8282.jpg\")
\u201cAlbanians and Italians have been connected for centuries geographically, culturally, even through communities like the Arb\u00ebresh\u00eb in Italy. So doing it in Bronx Little Italy makes it feel authentic,\u201d a local business owner told the Bronx Times. Photo by Bridgette Leahy<\/p>\n
The festival does more than celebrate culture. It allows for an economic boost to the area, according to local businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt brings a lot of foot traffic and new customers,\u201d Pishanti said. \u201cPeople discover spots they might not usually visit. Businesses get chances to connect and build regulars.\u201d<\/p>\n
He compared the impact to \u201ca free month of rent plus extra cash and massive marketing all in one day.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Throughout the afternoon, festival goers danced in the streets, families gathered around outdoor tables, and local businesses welcomed long lines of customers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels alive, full of energy, music, and people,\u201d Pishanti said. \u201cThere\u2019s a strong sense of culture and community. Everyone is out enjoying the day, supporting businesses, and being part of something bigger.\u201d<\/p>\n
As New York neighborhoods evolve, many visitors said the Skanderbeg Street Fair helps preserve heritage and identity for future generations.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cCities like New York change fast, and if you don\u2019t preserve culture, it can easily get lost,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
Bridgette Leahy is an intern at the Bronx Times. For more coverage, subscribe to our\u00a0newsletter<\/a>\u00a0and follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>!<\/p>\n