{"id":47857,"date":"2025-11-21T21:36:58","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T21:36:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/47857\/"},"modified":"2025-11-21T21:36:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T21:36:58","slug":"staten-islands-best-dressed-albanian-independence-day-childrens-party-at-old-bermuda-inn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/47857\/","title":{"rendered":"Staten Island\u2019s Best Dressed: Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party at Old Bermuda Inn"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Featured in this week\u2019s Staten Island\u2019s Best Dressed are photos from inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party on Sunday, Nov. 16.<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 the colors of Albania \u2014 were spotted in all the elegant decor.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The highly anticipated event, hosted by the Dibra Community Organization \u2014 also known as Shoqata Atdhetare Dibra \u2014 filled the ballroom with laughter, Albanian music and attendees dressed in traditional clothing as families celebrated their heritage together.<\/p>\n

\"CourtesyNoil Shemsiu enjoys the Albanian Kids Independence Day. (Courtesy Arber Jashari) <\/p>\n

For many, the gathering was more than a party \u2014 it was a reminder of identity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis organization is here to preserve our identity,\u201d said Hakim Budzaku, the group\u2019s new president. \u201cYou have so many kids who are being assimilated into Staten Island culture, which is great, but they also forget their Albanian identity \u2014 where they come from, where their ancestors came from.”<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s important to remind them of the sacrifices that our ancestors made to immigrate here and create better lives for our people,\u201d Budzaku added. \u201cOur organization aims to preserve our identity. Our events are fun but they are also an education for the children.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"CourtesyArber Greva and Biodina Behluli enjoy the Albanian Kids Independence Day. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)Courtesy Arber Jashari<\/p>\n

ABOUT THE DIBRA COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"CourtesySara Lleshi, left, Nita Lleshi, Gjon Lleshi, and Eva Lleshi enjoy the Albanian Kids Independence Day. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)\"CourtesyNaya Duraku and Qendresa Durakuenjoy the Albanian Kids Independence Day. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)\"CourtesyValbona Goga, left, Leon Goga, Artie Goga, and Armani Goga enjoy the Albanian Kids Independence Day. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)Courtesy Arber Jashari\"(CourtesyMore 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\u2019s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
\n\"(CourtesyFrom left, Arber Kuka, Donika Kuka, and Nezat Kuka enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
\n\"(CourtesyLunah Kolari, Amijet Klobocista enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
\n \"(CourtesyFropm left, Fitore Leshi, Lorela Leshi, Leandra Leshi and Valon Leshi enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
\n \"(CourtesySaranda Begu, Liliana Begu, Robert Bajram Begu, Dibran Begu enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
\n\"(Courtesy Lendina Gorenca, Hana Gorenca enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
\n\"(CourtesyFatjona Rexha, Safiya Rexha, Sarinah Rexha, Besart Rexha enjoy the festivites. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)\"(CourtesyLiana Delmar and Fatime Delmar enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)
\n\"(CourtesyAria Shemsiu, Iris Vojka, and Alma Shemsiu smile for the camera. \"(CourtesyAdelina Veliu, Arta Vojka, Yllza Duka enjoy the inaugural Albanian Independence Day Children\u2019s Party. (Courtesy Arber Jashari)<\/p>\n

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