In New York, Albanian parade for Cammeria

Among the thousands who participated were Albanians from other countries.

This year's Albanian parade was on Chammeria.

The Albanian parade also created a sea of red flags in downtown Manhattan this year, with Albanians singing and dancing folk songs from various provinces.

This particular year was that the parade was dedicated to Chameri.

Organisers said they want the Greek government to recognise massacres against the fray population and expel them from land 75 years ago in 1944.

Marko Cape, heads the Albanian Roots Association, which co-ordinates the parade body.

We demand from Greece just an apology, we don't want revenge. We also want to allow victims, to allow survivors to return to their homes, where they are for centuries, Cape said.

Vera Cosgrove Xhafo, an Imobiliare agent, has come to pay a tribute to his father who arrived in New York from the village of Filat of Chamari over a century ago.

He came here in 1917 when he was 18. His last name was Jacob. He left Filat for genocide. The Greeks came and killed them all. The whole family left and ended up in Tirana, while he came alone to the United States, Xhafo said.

People had come to honour the Albanians of Chemmeria each in his own way and Albanian symbols dominated everywhere.

The parade's ceremonial leader was Albanian journalist Marin Mema.

Sali Bulkat is an active community activist. He was born in Paramith.

“We are here to thank America for this opportunity that has given us here to raise the Albanian flag and to claim Chemmeria's right, which after 75 years, after being slaughtered and deported, suffers for its right. ” “I'm from Paramithia, I was born there, I was 7 when I was killed by 7 people in my family. Like the Rolling Stones I ended up here in America and it's really a blessed place for me”, said Bollate.

On the parade, it's come like every year with its ancient Cadillac, former congresswoman of arch-born Joe Diogudi.

I'm very proud to be an Albanian American. I'm so glad to be with you today,” he says.

Ilir Ademi of the Chamber Society says his family is from Filat.

In 1944 our family was expelled from our native lands because of the violence committed against it and settled in Saranda. But I would also stress that even during the time of communism, the Albanian community of Chemmerie was persecuted because of their origins and because of that system, as you know, ”, he said.

The parade started with a large Albanian flag in Avenuna 6, which was emptied of traffic.

According to police data, at least six thousand people participated in the parade.

Among the parades of different communities that are organised in Manhattan in June, it is marked by strong participation and dynamism that create folk songs and dances.