6 Vjet Kosova

On Monday, February 17th, citizens of Kosovo celebrated independence. This day marked six years since Kosovars officially declared their separation from Serbia.

The phrase of the day, in the southern part of Kosovo anyway, was 6 Vjet Kosova (6 Years Kosovo). While Kosovan, Albanian, American, and EU flags were strung across the streets of south Mitrovica, extra KFOR troops and police circled up to the north and back again.

For some it was a day of celebration, a day not taken or granted. For others, the day stirs up old tensions, disappointment at the lack of progress since independence, or memories of loss and haunting trauma during the war that made the day possible. Of course, still others reject the notion of an independent Kosovo.

Flags in the center of south Mitrovica

Flags in the center of south Mitrovica

Flags for sale on Nene Tereza in Pristina

Flags for sale on Nene Tereza in Pristina

Nene Tereza along the parade path in Pristina

Nene Tereza along the parade path in Pristina

Crowds for the parade on Nene Tereza

Crowds for the parade on Nene Tereza

The Young Europeans celebrating in Pristina

The Young Europeans celebrating in Pristina

Gawking at NEWBORN's camo makeover

Gawking at NEWBORN’s camo makeover

Looking out over Pristina, waiting for fireworks that never came

Looking out over Pristina, waiting for fireworks that never came

2 thoughts on “6 Vjet Kosova

  1. I can’t believe it’s been 6 years since Kosovo became independent. I remember when they announced it and it doesn’t feel like 6 years ago! I think their freedom gives hope to other countries desiring independence. Thanks for sharing these photos.

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