The Vevčani Carnival
The Vevčani Carnival takes place on 13th and 14th January every year.
It is believed that the custom is over 1,400 years old. It is based on old Pagan beliefs and rituals. Essentially the Carnival is the ritual of calling after Saint Basil the Great, which coincides with the Twelve Days of Orthodox Christmas and the Orthodox New Year. The festivity is dedicated to Saint Basil the Great (St. Vasilij), commonly known as Vasilitsa that marks the beginning of the new year (January 14) according to the Julian calendar. The Carnival witnesses the passing of the old year and the coming of the new one. The participants of the Carnival are known as Vasiličari. In 1993 the Carnival and the village of Vevčani officially became apart of the World Federation of Carnival Cities. In recent years a special "Carnival Passport" has been issued at the Carnival. Young people dressed in ritual clothing and with masks on their faces, perform old magic rituals and blessings in order to have good health and good harvest throughout the year...
It is believed that the custom is over 1,400 years old. It is based on old Pagan beliefs and rituals. Essentially the Carnival is the ritual of calling after Saint Basil the Great, which coincides with the Twelve Days of Orthodox Christmas and the Orthodox New Year. The festivity is dedicated to Saint Basil the Great (St. Vasilij), commonly known as Vasilitsa that marks the beginning of the new year (January 14) according to the Julian calendar. The Carnival witnesses the passing of the old year and the coming of the new one. The participants of the Carnival are known as Vasiličari. In 1993 the Carnival and the village of Vevčani officially became apart of the World Federation of Carnival Cities. In recent years a special "Carnival Passport" has been issued at the Carnival. Young people dressed in ritual clothing and with masks on their faces, perform old magic rituals and blessings in order to have good health and good harvest throughout the year...