The Vevchani Carnival - A Theatre In The Open Air

A two-day tour:

People partying under masks; the sound of zurli and tapani; devils and priests, brides and grooms, men transformed into women and women disguised into men, a show that lasts for 48 hours, a street theatre full of surprises - that is what the carnival in Vevchani is - a tradition preserved for over 5 centuries, the largest tourist and entertainment event in western Macedonia. With a little bit of make-up and a costume, you can join this motley retinue of laughter, this joyous panoptical display and blend into the overwhelming fun in the streets of Vevchani.

We would be honored by your presence.

Popular beliefs and festivities have a significant role in the lives of the Macedonian people. It is believed that the days following New Year are "unholy" (not consecrated) and that at such times the devil can harm men most. In order to protect themselves from his demons in these "unholy" times, people avoided work and gave over to various magical deeds and carnivals that turned into bacchanalia.

As a remnant from pagan times, the carnival contains erotic elements and elements related to fertility, though often times it also has elements of modern satire. Traditionally, it is held every year on the night of January 13^th, just before the day of St. Vasilie the Great (Vasilica), i.e., the Old New Year (in accordance with the Julian, not the Gregorian calendar). In its contents, the carnival is always original, up-to-date and rich. These two days and one night give a specific mark to this region as the number of people wearing masks and costumes is above 1500 and the suite these participants make up is almost 2 km long. Since 1993, Vevchani has been member of the European Association of Carnival Towns.

As all other carnivals, the Vevchani carnival is a rite - a ritual that originates from pagan times.

There is no written evidence to precisely date when the Vevchani carnival was first held, but according to tales transferred by word of moth from generation to generation, it has existed for 500 to 600 years.

Vasilica (Old New Year) is celebrated on January 13 and 14, again in accordance with the Julian calendar. This day is dedicated to St. Vasilij, and customarily it has been a day when people wore masks and costumes and celebrated the coming of the New Year. In the old days, only men participated in these celebrations, but today women take part as well. Groups were organized in the neighborhoods and these groups wandered around the village visiting the homes of those not participating in the carnival. After these rounds, around 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning, the groups would go to The Well (springs of water) and continue the celebrations at the location known as the Vevchani Wells.

On the morning of the 14^th, they would go to the local church and then to the center of the village, where they would dance the vasilicharsko dance.

PRICE:

DATES: January 2007

The price includes transport, all sightseeing, accommodation, all meals and full escort by a professional tourist guide.

If you want to register, please click here!