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February 17 marks a significant day for the people of Kosovo – it's their Independence Day! This day commemorates the country's declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008, after years of political and social struggle. Despite its relatively recent independence, Kosovo has a rich cultural heritage and is home to many stunning landmarks, such as the beautiful Rugova Mountains and the ancient city of Prizren. Let's celebrate this special day by learning more about Kosovo's history and embracing its vibrant culture and traditions.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Unofficial Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Kosovo declared independence from Yugoslavia, but it was not widely recognised.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998 - 1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Kosovo War</div><div class='timeline-text'>An armed conflict, known as the Kosovo War, was fought between the forces of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Kosovo Liberation Army.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Administration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Post-war, the UN took over administration of the region, paving way for substantial political and economic reforms.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Kosovo's Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia on February 17, which is now celebrated as Kosovo Independence Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Kosovo has been recognized by over 100 UN member states, although its sovereignty is disputed by Serbia and a few others.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local parade or festival celebrating Kosovo Independence Day and join in on the fun! You can experience traditional music, food, and dances while celebrating the country's independence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Kosovo's history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to educate yourself about Kosovo's journey to independence. You can visit historical sites, read books or watch documentaries to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try traditional Kosovar cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Kosovo's culture by trying out some delicious Kosovar dishes! Look up recipes for popular dishes like flija, burek, or baklava and have a feast with friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear traditional Kosovar attire</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Embrace the culture by dressing up in traditional Kosovar clothing. Whether it's a folk costume or a modern take on traditional attire, wearing it on Independence Day is a great way to show your pride and celebrate the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Kosovar movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and family and watch a movie or documentary about Kosovo's history or culture. You can also watch popular Kosovar films or have a movie marathon featuring films from the country.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebration of freedom and self-determination</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Kosovo Independence Day is a day for the people of Kosovo to celebrate their independence and freedom. It marks the end of years of oppression and turmoil, and symbolizes the strength and resilience of the Kosovar people.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Recognition from the international community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Kosovo Independence Day is not only important to the citizens of Kosovo, but also to the international community - as it serves as a recognition of Kosovo as an independent country. This also opens up opportunities for diplomatic relations and economic growth.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pride in national identity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Kosovo Independence Day is a time to come together as a nation and celebrate what it means to be Kosovan. It allows for cultural festivities and traditions to be shared and embraced, strengthening the sense of national identity among its people.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kosovo Declared Independence Only in 2008</h3><p class='facts-content'>Kosovo, located in Southeast Europe, proclaimed itself as an independent state on February 17, 2008, breaking away from Serbia.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kosovo is Home to Medieval Monasteries</h3><p class='facts-content'>It has several UNESCO-listed medieval monasteries, such as Visoki Dečani and Gračanica, showcasing its rich culture and history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kosovo Has a Young Population</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Republic of Kosovo has one of the youngest populations in Europe, with an average age of about 30 years.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kosovo Houses a Large Mineral Wealth</h3><p class='facts-content'>Kosovo has the world’s fifth-largest proven reserves of lignite, an essential mineral resource used for generating electricity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kosovo's Capital is a Mixture of New and Old</h3><p class='facts-content'>Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo, uniquely combines modern urban life with traditional historic sites, embodying both progress and heritage.</p></div></div>
Kosovo Independence Day is celebrated on February 17th every year. In 2024 Kosovo Independence Day will occur on a Saturday.
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