Albanian Community Events in Staten Island, NY

A lively blend of Irish trad music with Albanian music. With Taulant Mehmeti, Nezih Antakli, Tom Fitzgerald, Dylan James, Colin Harte __________________________ Supported by The Irish Institute of New York.

Named after an ethnic Albanian region in the Municipality of Ulqin, Montenegro, the Albanian American Association Ana e Malit represents a dedicated community of compatriots who have migrated to the United States with a shared commitment to preserving their heritage and supporting their homeland. Based in Staten Island, NY, the organization brings together primarily individuals from the Ana e Malit region who share a common purpose: to help their country and homeland while enriching the communities where they now live. The association is deeply rooted in the values of cultural preservation, language maintenance, and national pride, working tirelessly to ensure that Albanian traditions are cultivated and celebrated across generations. Members of Ana e Malit in Staten Island and surrounding areas collaborate to organize events that commemorate significant moments in Albanian national history while creating opportunities for cultural exchange and community connection. The organization's mission extends beyond celebrations to include supporting educational initiatives, maintaining ties between diaspora members and those in the homeland, and fostering relationships between children and students from both regions. What distinguishes Ana e Malit is its grassroots approach—the organization has achieved remarkable success, including the establishment of an Albanian Cultural Center in Staten Island, through the dedication and sacrifice of community members rather than institutional support. This reflects the strong bonds and commitment that characterize the Ana e Malit community in New York and New Jersey.

Since 2009, Albanian Roots has served the Staten Island, NY community as a grassroots cultural organization founded by young Albanian professionals and students with a shared passion for preserving and celebrating their heritage. What sets this nonprofit apart is its deeply personal approach to community building—rather than simply organizing events, Albanian Roots creates meaningful spaces where Albanian culture, traditions, and values can be experienced, celebrated, and passed forward to new generations. The organization understands that cultural identity thrives through authentic connection and shared experience, which is why their programming ranges from intimate community gatherings like picnics and parties to larger public celebrations including art shows and festivals. At the heart of Albanian Roots' work is a commitment to strengthening the local community while simultaneously sharing Albanian culture with the broader New York metropolitan area. Their flagship initiative—participation in the Immigrants Day Parade—reflects this dual commitment to internal community solidarity and external cultural visibility. Driven entirely by volunteers who give generously of their time and energy, Albanian Roots embodies the values of mutual support and collective responsibility that are central to Albanian culture itself. For young professionals and students seeking to maintain their cultural roots while building community connections in Staten Island, Albanian Roots offers more than programming—it offers belonging, cultural continuity, and the opportunity to contribute to something larger than themselves.