Heather Fordham

News 12 Staff

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May 17, 2024, 6:07 PM

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Updated

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One of the largest festivals to honor Albanian heritage in the Bronx is kicking off this weekend in Belmont.

Flags are already raised and banners are up for the third annual Skenderbeu Street Fair that will take over Little Italy this Sunday.

While many associate the area with Italian heritage, there is a large Albanian presence in the neighborhood. with 62 Albanian-owned businesses.

"This one has a special meaning for Albanian-Americans because it's happening in the Arthur Avenue area, which is a very strong point for the Albanian community because this area is an area where Albanians settled from the 1960s," said Ismer Mjeku, owner of Bato Cafe & Wine.

Crowds coming from across the tri-state will enjoy celebrating the heritage, culture and traditions of Albania through food, music, and cultural performances.

The celebration kicks off May 19 at 12 p.m.