Kriva Palanka, 15 August 2024 (MIA) — More than 610 French people driving 190 Peugeot 205 cars will arrive Thursday in Kriva Palanka, the only Macedonian city to host Europ'Raid, the adventure, culture and solidarity tour through 20 European countries, MIA's Kriva Palanka correspondent reports.

This year's Europ'Raid participants left Paris on Aug. 3, carrying school and sports equipment to donate to schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Albania and North Macedonia, according to organizers.

In its ninth year, the Europ'Raid road trip covers 8,000 kilometers in 22 days, with each team carrying 70 kilograms of school or sports equipment: school backpacks, notebooks, board games, picture books and books in French, sports clothes, and shoes for young Francophones from some of the countries they are visiting, to encourage and motivate them to study the French language. 

"Kriva Palanka will for the fourth time be the only Macedonian city that will host this organization of young adventurers who travel to get to know the natural beauty, culture, tradition and cuisine of 20 European countries," the Municipality of Kriva Palanka said.

To welcome them and showcase the local culture and traditions, city officials have organized a Francophone music event in front of the local St. Joakim Krchovski Elementary School that will present Macedonian folk music and dances. 

Another music event will follow later in the evening, featuring a Bad Ass All concert at the city square.

Europ'Raid organizers, in cooperation with the Embassy of France, have chosen Kriva Palanka to be the Macedonian host city because of its continued activities promoting the French language and culture over the years.

The Europ'Raid participants will also be welcomed by a delegation from the Embassy of France, the French Institute in Skopje, and several local Francophone associations. mr/