Friday, 07 January 2011
The traditional Vevcani Carnival, which claims a 14 century long legacy, is held every year from 13 to 14 January in the southwestern Macedonian village of Vevcani. Recognized by the Federation of European Carnival Cities (FECC), the carnival attracts tens of thousands of both domestic and international visitors to see the people of Vevcani disguised in elaborate masks expressing humor and sarcasm. Some of the most common costumes include politicians, devils and other mythical characters.
For over 1,400 years the Vevcani Carnival has been an interesting mix of paganism and modernism. The home setting of the carnival events is the village of Vevcani, which turns into a boundless theater, where each house and street is a scene on which disguised people perform plays like real actors.
A novelty of this year's festival edition is the New Year's bazaar for craftsmen and souvenir producers.
"One should attend the carnival and feel the Vevcani spirit and humour, where no one is forgiven, be it famous or common person", Liljana Popovska, chairperson of the Vevcani Carnival Board, told a press conference.
Official figures show that around 60,000 visitors attended the carnival in the past three years, each of them spending at the very minimum 10 euros. The event made a 600.000 euro boost to the country's economy.
This year's Vevcani Carnival is organized by Tetragon, association for alternative tourism "Balkanika" and association "Denica", along with the support from T-Home, and the ministries of culture and economy.
Velija Ramkovski with a police jeep, bishop Vevcani ..... 2011!
Struga, 13. janauri 2011 (INPRES) source: Inpres photo: Super Radio
They "Derzhava" in the state. They have their own currency - lichnikot, their passports and their distinctive way of life. They have the warmest smile and naijskrenoto welcome. They say we have wine and brandy but only Julian - then buy. If someone told you something about them ... believe is true.
Welcome Vevcani ...
- To this day 'AIR were going to be for St. Basil home to najdite. This older
in Vevcani to invite their loved ones scattered throughout the world Julian to return home.
This year we offered a proud Vevcani "mirror" to see what we're all in our essence. Proud, happy and without fiber the language, through masks they portray reality in which we live.
Velija Ramkovski with a police jeep, bishop, the traditional groom and bride, stupid August and the devil. This year Ingenious Vevcani mark the most significant events of the year is already behind us.
the President of the Organizing Liliana Popovska Board from year to year the number of participants and visitors to the carnival in Vevcani:
- If the carnival continue develops with such momentum, it will certainly become a real tourist attraction, adds Popovska.
From this year's festival are satisfied and organizers who say the concerts and artistic part of the program attracted the attention of more than 10,000 visitors.
happiest course participants. They say it is an honor to be part of such a festival:
- Each year there must be a groom and bride. Men's disguise as a bride. It walks on all houses and donate the bride.
- Mask you prepare more than one week.
- We are disguised in masks and our graduates is the best this year.
Visitors you had from all corners of the world:
- wonderful. For the first time we are here. We came specifically for the carnival.
- We come from the United States. What is happening here is very nice. This is a great opportunity to attract tourists and promote Vevcani.
Carnival has an international spirit as participate more guests from abroad. So far, as I said, there were participants from Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey. (End)
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