Skopje, 9 August 2026 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski Sunday posted a special video on his Facebook profile ahead of the 35th anniversary of Macedonia’s independence. September 8 marks the 35th anniversary of our country’s independence, while the celebrations began on the national holiday Ilinden. The special musical spectacle will tour 11 cities, with its premiere performance scheduled for Sunday evening at 7:30 pm at Biljanini Izvori stadium in Ohrid.

The story of Macedonia’s achievements over the years is narrated by renowned actor, TV host and performer Igor Dzambazov. Opera singers Igor and Ana Durlovski, accompanied by the Macedonian Philharmonic, perform Zafir Hadzimanov’s famous song “Ljubi me i glavata gore,” while actors from both older and younger generations also take part. The video also features footage of some of the most significant moments in the country’s history, including the declaration of independence, the introduction of the denar, and more.

The 35th anniversary of independence will be marked with a special musical spectacle, which will tour 11 cities. A number of other concerts and events are also planned, with the first performance scheduled for tonight at 7:30 pm at Biljanini Izvori stadium in Ohrid.

Through music, acting and dance, a multimedia stage spectacle will tell the story of 35 years of independence of our homeland, highlighting the most significant historical moments, milestones, challenges and achievements of the past three and a half decades.

On August 11, the spectacle will be staged in Bitola in front of the Officers’ Hall, while on August 12 it will take place in the park in front of the Veles Municipality building.

Ahead of September 8, the caravan will tour 11 cities across the country, bringing the festive atmosphere closer to citizens. Details of the remaining cities will be announced later.

Three legendary Macedonian bands – Memoria, Mizar and Synthesis – will perform at a concert in Strumica City Park on August 15, starting at 8 pm.

Electronic music legends Paul van Dyk and Paul Oakenfold will perform together on August 16 at Strumica City Park as part of the celebrations marking 35 years of Macedonia’s independence.

Spanish tenor José Carreras is set to perform on September 1 at Macedonia Square alongside a lineup of prominent Macedonian artists, including Vlatko Stefanovski, Karolina Gocheva, Kaliopi, Suzana Spasovska, Naum Petreski, Igor Durlovski and Ana Durlovski. The Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany the entire concert.

The celebrations will culminate with a final performance on September 4 at Macedonia Square in Skopje, featuring more than 120 artists. The musical program marking the anniversary will conclude on September 8 with a performance by David Guetta at Skopje’s Tose Proeski National Arena.

The 35 years of Macedonia’s independence celebrations began in Bitola on August 2 – Ilinden.

Photo: screenshot