Martyrs' Day in Albania Date in the current year: May 5, 2024

Qemal Stafa was born on March 20, 1920 in the city of Elbasan. When he was 19 years old, Albania was occupied by Italian troops. In 1941, Stafa became a founding member of the Albanian Communist Party. He took a very active part in the Albanian National Liberation Movement, helping create resistance groups.

Italian fascist forces murdered Stafa on May 5, 1942 in a house at the outskirts of the city of Tirana. It is believed that one of Stafa's comrades may have betrayed him (and subsequently some other communist party members as well).

After the end of the Second World War, Stafa's death anniversary was declared as Martyr's day to honor the memory of the resistance members who died during the war. This memorial day is marked with solemn remembrance ceremonies throughout the country.