Between Crescent and Arthur Avenue, crowds filled the streets on May 3 in celebration of the 5th Annual Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeg Street Fair, a festival honoring the Albanian culture and community through local businesses, traditional foods, music and dancing.
New York is home to more than 100,000 Albanians, and many live here in the Bronx.
Hosted by the Albanian American Open Hand Association Inc. and supported by the Belmont Business Improvement District, the annual festival highlighted the importance of the Albanian presence in the Bronx while bringing together local businesses, families, friends, and visitors from all across the world.
Several vendors lined up as Albanian flags waved above high, live Albanian music performance, food stands, bouncy houses and face painting for kids —an endless spread of joy.
For business owners, the festival represented more than an annual event—it reflected years of immigration, practice, hard work and cultural preservation and growth within the Albanian community.
“Honestly, it represents culture, pride, and bringing people together,” said Pishanti, the owner of 039 Fast Food on Arthur Avenue. “For the Albanian community, it’s a way to celebrate who we are and where we come from, while sharing that with the Bronx. It’s not just for Albanians, it’s for everyone.”
Pishanti said holding the festival in Bronx Little Italy feels especially meaningful because of the longstanding connection between Albanian and Italian communities.
“There’s real history and a shared culture there,” he said. “Albanians and Italians have been connected for centuries geographically, culturally, even through communities like the Arbëreshë in Italy. So doing it in Bronx Little Italy makes it feel authentic.”
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Over the years, Albanian-owned businesses have become a new foundation of the Little Italy community. Now, reaching five years of hosting this annual festival further embeds business owners in the neighborhood tradition.
“Reaching five years means it’s become a real tradition, not just a one-time event,” Pishanti said. “Every year it gets bigger and more organized, and people look forward to it.”
This year’s festival held special significance for him, as it was his first time participating as a business owner after previously managing Prince Coffee House, just a few doors down from 039 Fast Food.
“I always dreamed of having my own business, and now I’m focused on building something that will last for a long time,” he said. “Being on Arthur Avenue, with all its history, makes it even more meaningful.”
His restaurant serves Albanian-style street food inspired by his hometown, Peja, Kosovo; including a signature burger topped with a fried egg and feta cheese.
“What really makes it different is the fried egg and feta cheese,” he said. “Many non-Albanian customers are skeptical at first. But once they try it, they end up loving it.”
The festival does more than celebrate culture. It allows for an economic boost to the area, according to local businesses.
“It brings a lot of foot traffic and new customers,” Pishanti said. “People discover spots they might not usually visit. Businesses get chances to connect and build regulars.”
He compared the impact to “a free month of rent plus extra cash and massive marketing all in one day.”
Throughout the afternoon, festival goers danced in the streets, families gathered around outdoor tables, and local businesses welcomed long lines of customers.
“It feels alive, full of energy, music, and people,” Pishanti said. “There’s a strong sense of culture and community. Everyone is out enjoying the day, supporting businesses, and being part of something bigger.”
As New York neighborhoods evolve, many visitors said the Skanderbeg Street Fair helps preserve heritage and identity for future generations.
“Cities like New York change fast, and if you don’t preserve culture, it can easily get lost,” he said.
Bridgette Leahy is an intern at the Bronx Times. For more coverage, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
