11 January - Albania's Republic Day

 
Albania's Republic Day is observed annually on January 11 to commemorate the country's transition to a people's republic in 1946. This significant event marked the official abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a communist government under the leadership of Enver Hoxha. Following the end of World War II, Albania emerged as a liberated state but faced significant political transformations. On January 11, 1946, the Albanian Constituent Assembly declared the formation of the People's Republic of Albania, replacing King Zog I's monarchy with a socialist regime aligned with the Eastern Bloc. This pivotal moment laid the foundation for nearly five decades of communist rule, which profoundly shaped the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape. Today, January 11 serves as a day of historical reflection, symbolizing a transformative chapter in Albania's history.