Kosovo celebrates Wednesday the 13th anniversary of the declaration of independence. February 17, 2021, marks the day when the state of Kosovo turns 13 years old since it was declared independent. 

On Sunday, February 17, 2008, at 15:39 the Declaration of Independence was read in the hall of the Parliament of Kosovo. 

Independent Kosovo immediately began to be recognized by friendly countries. This process became common in the first days after independence, while so far, Kosovo has been recognized by 117 countries. The last country to recognize Kosovo is Israel. 

The thirteenth anniversary of the declaration of Independence of the Republic of Kosovo will be marked with many activities organized by central and local institutions. 

Also, the independence of Kosovo is celebrated by Albanians in Albania, in North Macedonia, the diaspora and beyond. 

Ceremonies expected to be held today in Pristina on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence:

-Ceremonies in honor of this day will begin with the raising of the state flag by the Ceremonial Guard of the Special Forces of Kosovo in the courtyard of the Office of the Prime Minister, which will be attended by Acting President Vjosa Osmani and Acting Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti. 

-The central event will be held at the Barracks "Adem Jashari" in Pristina, while under the auspices of the Acting President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, will hold a state reception. 

-During the day there will be an homage to the statue of the legendary KLA commander Adem Jashari in Prekaz and Skenderaj, the statue of Zahir Pajaziti in Pristina, the cemetery of martyrs in Gllogjan, Recak and the grave of former President Ibrahim Rugova. 

-There will also be sports activities such as the Independence Race - Gymnastics Federation in Prishtina; the Independence Tournament - the Wrestling Federation; Independence Tournament - Ping-Pong Federation Prishtina; Independence Run - Athletic Federation.

In honor of the 13th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo will be opened the exhibition "Life and work of Sali Çeku" and the awarding of annual prizes for literature by Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in Pristina. 

In honor of the 13th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence, the Municipality of Prizren holds a solemn meeting and awards the decoration "Honor of the City" to the former member of the Assembly of Kosovo Bujar Gjurgjeala, while solemn meetings will be held in the Municipality of Skenderaj, Podujeva and other municipalities.