arts & cultural experiences
History and Highlights:
Photos by Kelsey Nockett, Bozovce Carnival
The celebration began many thousands of years ago. Its pagan origins are derived from the likes of any other great holiday; nature. In this festival the sun and spring are celebrated. Young men and boys dress as old grandmas, and others mask themselves in sheepskin. They jiggle their cowbells and bang bodies against each other like a championship team celebrating the game’ s winning point-- except the celebration is humble and low key. The costumed men and boys go around the steep mountain village continuing the noise and knocking on doors, while one of their own rides a donkey and leads the ruckus. To close the ceremony, all of the guests are invited to have lamb and flija, a local dish native to the Polog and Kosovo region. Like any festival here in Macedonia, it is a once in a lifetime“ you had to be there” moment, and I’ m glad I was there.
History and Highlights:
Photos by Jenny Upton, Prochka Strumica
The Strumica Carnival is Macedonia’ s version of Mardi Gras. The carnival was first mentioned in 1670 and has been taking place each year for centuries during the so-called Trimeri Days. The event is filled with customary themes and traditions such as masks, costumes, parades and revelry. Participants come from all over the region and world to experience the Strumica Carnival, which in 1994 was recognized as a member of the Foundation of European Carnival Cities( FECC).
Spring 2013 – 15 Spring 2013 – 15