Kosovo Independence Day: Anticlimactic

Yesterday was a big day: Kosovo's first anniversary. I must admit, though, I found the whole experience to be a bit of a let down. All day long, people thronged through the main Shadervan square and were roaming around the central area of town. There was a stage set up in the square where there was dancing, music, and speeches throughout the afternoon and evening. There were even a few scant minutes of fireworks around 7:30-ish. However, there wasn't really anything for anyone to do. I can't help but compare the day with July 4th and Canada Day celebrations where there are often activities like pancake breakfasts, 5k races, children's games, parades....All those people out-and-about yesterday, and there was nothing for them to do.

What did I do? After a late breakfast, I took advantage of the main street being shut down and walked around town. I then went up to the castle and listened to the music from the stage down in town from a more comfortable level. Afterwards, I went home and puttered around before making dinner. I made another tour through town after dinner, but because there wasn't anything really going on, I went home and noticed the tons of trash strewn all over the streets.

From the news:

A Photographer's Journal: Kosovo, Year One

Kosovo marks 'independence day'

What changes have I noticed in this past year? Independence itself has not been a panacea for Kosovo. Unemployment is still astronomically high (over 50% by some counts) and wages remain low. The price of bread has fallen from 40 cents down to 25 cents although other items in the grocery stores seem to be higher. Kosovars now have Kosovo passports even though these passports are not universally recognized. Things are changing for the better, I believe. Streets are still in need of repair. The power is still unstable as is running water. Buildings are regularly torn down and partially-built structures are everywhere. The air still has the constant tinge of generators and burning trash. But yesterday, even though there wasn't anything to do per se, people were happy.