Day Of Ashakalia

Observed annually on the Day of Ashakalia—or Ashkali Flag Day—is a holiday that falls on February 15th in Kosovo. Kosovo is a multicultural country that contains people who hail from all around the world, and one such people are the Ashkali community. Their flag day is celebrated every year to appreciate the work that this community has done for the nation in general.

Every year, drawing competitions are held, as well as creative school competitions. It is also observed by raising the Ashkali flag—a flag that symbolizes unity, loyalty, and peace. It is a holiday that was first celebrated in 2014 and has been celebrated ever since.

The History of Day of Ashakalia

During the 13th century, the Roma came to the Balkans, and many of them were viewed as second-class citizens. During WWII, many of them were persecuted, killed, and shipped off to concentration camps by the Nazis.

During the 1990s, many Roma took the positions of Albanians who were dismissed. The Roma were also used by Serbian authorities to bury the dead. As a result, some people saw the Roma as collaborators with Milosevic’s regime.

During a public health emergency in 2000, many Romas, Ashkali, and Egyptians were encamped in Serb-controlled northern Kosovo. This situation continued for more than a decade after displacement. Not long after, the Day of Ashakalia was created to ensure equal education and freedom from discrimination for every Ashkali child.

Observing Day of Ashakali

This holiday is not a public holiday in Kosovo. As a result, businesses, government buildings, and schools remain open on this day.

Where is it celebrated?
Kosovo (Observance)
When is it?
This year (2024)
February 15 Thursday
Next year (2025)
February 15 Saturday
Last year (2023)
February 15 Wednesday