VEVCANI CARNIVAL

Carnival is a big celebration, with many people, which usually lasts for
several days and is followed by street games and dances of masked people.
Generally, they are held in January and February. Earlier, carnivals were
more often, but now people don’t respect them as they should be. The word
Carnival is of Christian origin in the middle ages. There are a lot of carnivals
in Macedonia like Stumicki Carnival, Prilepski Carnival etc, but the most
popular carnival is Vevcani Carnival.
Vevcani Carnival takes places in Vevcani, Macedonia. Vevcani is a
village in Macedonia. It is found in the southwestern range at the roof of the
Jablanica mountain range. It is situated from 800 – 950 meters above sea
level. It is believed that the carnival is at least 1 460 years old. It is based on
Pagan beliefs and rituals. The Vevcani Carnival is held from 12 th to 14th
January, which means it lasts 2 days. So, this carnival celebrates the
beginning of the New Year according to the old calendar. The participants in
it are called Vasilicari. They are masked people and groups of all ages. One
of the most characteristic mask is the Stupid August. Usually this role is
played by young people, athletes, full of energy. The Stupid August protects
the groom and bride, which is the symbol of fertility, and communicates with
audience with movements. This mask is from antique time and is some kind
of parody of the rulers. This tradition is happening at 2 or 3 o’clock in the
morning, on 14th of January. Although it is early, there are 1 000 – 1 500
participants. There are more women than men and also there are younger
than older Vevcanci. The participants are not just Macedonian; there are
people from all over the world who come just to participate at this carnival. I
was there once. That was two years ago, in 2016. I was 12 years old. I was
there with my family, my mom and my dad. We were accommodated in our
friend’s house. We came there on 11 th of January and returned on 15 th of
January. I wish we stayed more. Vevcani is so beautiful. Also, the air is very
fresh. One of my wishes was to visit Vevcani and be a part of Vevcani
Carnival, and finally my wish came true. I was very excited before going
there. My mask was werewolf and my friend’s mask was demon. By the way,
werewolf is a human with the ability to transform into a wolf, and a demon is
an evil spirit or devil and acts as a tormentor in hell. My mom did my make-
up and I think it looked brilliant. Also my mom did my friend’s make-up, but
mine looked better… just kidding. On 12 th of January we woke up at 4 o’clock
so we could be ready at 5 o’clock to go to carnival. We both had fun there.
We spent whole day with dances and jokes. Vevcani is pretty cool. Carnival is
really famous so there were many cameras which recorded the carnival. Also
there are a lot of things to do there, in Vevcani. There are many hostels and
apartments you can stay if you don’t have any friends or siblings there. I can
surely say that they are quite big and clean. Also, food is perfect. You can
find a lot of restaurant that offer good food. And by the way food is really
cheap. Markets and boutique are everywhere and there is also cheap stuff.
Besides all these good things, this carnival has some bad things. If you’re
introvert, unsocial and uncommunicative you probably won’t like this
carnival at all. The carnival is full of people on all sides. Also, it’s very loud
and songs is being heard everywhere. But, if you’re with close friends or
family I think you will feel good there. Anyway, who does not want to dance
and joke with friends and others? Generally, the carnival is very entertaining.
First of all, I recommend everyone to visit this place, without thinking
should they, because only the words cannot describe it. I also plan to visit it
several times because it left me a big impression.