MACEDONIAN CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Christmas Eve, New Year, Epiphany ..

"Kolede lede, padnalo grede..." There is no Macedonian who has not been awakened with this song, sung in the early morning hours of January 6th. That date, known as Badnik, is the eve of Orthodox Christmas.

Winter celebrations in Macedonia start well before that, however. During December groups of people travel to the mountains to pick oak branches to decorate their homes... more

Strumica carnival

The Strumica Carnival is one of the most notable customs and traditions of its kind in Macedonia, held every year during the so-called Trimeri Days, marking the start of the Lenten Fast, which always begins on Sunday Eve of Forgiveness and lasts until Wednesday. Tuesday is the traditional carnival night, when masked groups stroll through town to the homes of engaged girls until early in the morning... more

Galicnik wedding

Galicnik which extends on the falls of mount Bistra is found 110 km away from the capital city of Macedonia. Each year Galicnik hosts a traditional Macedonian wedding in the beginning of July. This traditional wedding is a remainder of the past. When Galicnik had 1600 people living in 800 houses... more