Kosovo declared independence on 17 February 2008, and every year Prishtina marks it with flags, ceremonies and a newly painted NEWBORN monument. Here is what to expect if you are in the city.
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On 17 February 2008, Kosovo's Assembly declared independence, and every year since, Prishtina has marked the anniversary with flags, ceremonies and a new look for its most famous monument. If your trip falls in mid-February, here is what to expect. The programme for 2027 has not been announced yet, so this guide is based on recent years.
What is being celebrated
Kosovo's Assembly declared independence at an extraordinary session on Sunday 17 February 2008. All 109 deputies present voted in favour, according to the UN Security Council record of the following day, and the declaration was read by the then Prime Minister, Hashim Thaçi.
17 February 2027 will be the 19th anniversary, and it falls on a Wednesday.
A public holiday
Independence Day is an official holiday under Kosovo's Law on Official Holidays and a paid day off for workers. When 17 February falls on a weekend, the day off moves to the next working day, as it did in 2024, when it was observed on Monday 19 February.
Most public institutions close, and the interbank payment system does not run on official holidays, so do not plan official errands for that day. There is no published rule on whether shops and restaurants open, so if you need something specific, check with the business in advance.
The NEWBORN monument's new look
The NEWBORN monument, created by the designer Fisnik Ismaili, was unveiled on the day independence was declared, in front of the Palace of Youth and Sports, and people soon crowded round to sign their names on its letters. It was meant to keep its original design, but after graffiti and damage Ismaili began giving it a new look each year, unveiled around the anniversary.
The designs follow the national mood. In 2024 it showed seven skies to celebrate visa-free travel to Europe for Kosovo citizens. In 2025 it was dedicated to artificial intelligence, and in 2026 to Kosovo's path to statehood and its alliance with the United States. Seeing the year's new design is the easiest way to join in, and the monument is a 14-minute walk from ZOE Hotel.
Ceremonies and parades
In 2026 the official commemorations began with the state flag being raised at the Government building, followed by a solemn session of the Assembly. In both 2025 and 2026, units of the Kosovo Security Force and Kosovo Police paraded through central Prishtina, with flags and music in the squares and crowds lining the boulevards.
Parades have not been held every year, so wait for the official programme before planning your day around one. If you do want to watch, get there early.
February weather
Mid-February in Prishtina is still winter. Daytime highs are typically around 5 to 8 degrees, nights are near or below freezing, and snow is possible. Dress for standing outside for an hour or two, and see our guide to Prishtina in winter for what else to do while you are here.
Where to stay
The celebrations fill the main squares of the centre and the area around the NEWBORN monument. ZOE Hotel is 10 minutes on foot from Mother Teresa Boulevard and 14 from the NEWBORN, so you can walk to the celebrations and back without dealing with traffic. Check-in is from 14:00, rooms are paid on arrival, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before check-in. See the rooms or our walking times.
If you are travelling from abroad, our guide to Kosovo entry requirements covers visas and the new address registration.
Be in the centre for 17 February
ZOE Hotel is a 14-minute walk from the NEWBORN monument. Pay on arrival, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in.