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