Nish, 1 August 2023 (MIA) — Macedonians in Serbia held an Ilinden celebration ahead of the Day of the Republic, Aug. 2, which the Macedonian community in Serbia observes as a national holiday, MIA's Belgrade correspondent wrote.

The Tuesday reception was organized by the Macedonian association Vardar from Nish, which has organized Ilinden events over the past 20 years.

The event marked the 120th anniversary of the Krushevo Republic and 79 years of ASNOM, according to Vardar association founder Blagoja Ilievski.

"For us Macedonians, this is the greatest thing in the world. It is the biggest holiday in all aspects of Macedonian life, wherever they are, whether in Macedonia, Serbia or in the diaspora around the world," Ilievski told MIA's correspondent.

The reception was attended by members of the Macedonian community in Nish, representatives of the city administration, and Macedonian Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Mihaela Veselinov.

On Aug, 2, according to a press release from the office of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, he will have a working visit to St. Prokhor Pchinjski Monastery and welcome President Stevo Pendarovski for a bilateral meeting. mr/