Chicago, IL — Last month, more than 800 people gathered in the Chicago area for Byrek Fest 2025 — an event that is quickly becoming a favorite for Albanian families and food lovers alike. The festival, organized by the Albanian-American Community of Illinois (AACI), doubled its attendance this year and earned official recognition from Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama.
Founded in 1998, AACI serves as the umbrella organization for Albanians throughout Illinois. Its board is structured with two representatives from each of the six regions Albanians call home — something board president Edon Shaqiri says is the backbone of the community’s broad reach. “When everyone has a seat at the table, every corner of our culture is represented,” Shaqiri said. “That’s why you see byrek here from everywhere.”
What makes Byrek Fest special is that it brings together Albanians from every region — and from every generation. Grandparents, parents, and children all found something familiar and something new, whether it was a taste that reminded them of home or a chance to dance to a song from their village.
And there was plenty to see — if you arrived on time. The food lines were long, and the byrek, prepared by cooks representing every region of Albania and Kosovo, sold out quickly. First place this year went to Emine Jakupi from Gjilan, Kosovo. During her interview, Jakupi stood next to her mother, who had passed down the winning recipe — a moment that moved many people. Second place went to Edisa Combi from Fier, Albania, and third to Migerta Radhima from Vlore.
Besides byrek, there was qebapa on the grill, pizza for the kids, and tables loaded with homemade Albanian desserts. A backdrop of music from all parts of Albania — from DJ Besi — kept the crowd dancing even after the plates were cleared.
Children weren’t left out either. Dafina Rexhepi, AACI’s youth director, made sure there were games and activities to keep families at the festival until the end of the day.
This year’s festival didn’t just get a greeting from the Prime Minister — it was also recognized by Interior Minister Taulant Balla, journalist Blendi Fevziu, and Mrizi i Zanave, the well-known farm restaurant in Albania. The entire event was made possible thanks to the support of Albanian-American businesses who stepped up as sponsors. The event remained completely free for the community, and many families contributed personal donations to keep Byrek Fest alive and growing.
For many local Albanian families, the highlight was simple: good food, loud music, and a festival that shows just how unique this community is — united across regions, generations, and by one flaky, quickly disappearing pie that brings everyone together.
