Vevchani, 13 January 2026 (MIA) – The official part of this year’s Vevchani Carnival starts Tuesday with a masked parade being the central event. 

Masked revellers, safeguarding the 15-century tradition, in a satirical way will depict last year’s developments in the public and political life in the country and around the world. Each mask is designed to critique certain aspects of the society. It is believed that revellers wearing the masks are chasing away the evil and ring in the new year according to the Julian calendar renewed.

The village of Vevchani for two days on Tuesday and Wednesday looks like an improvised open-air theatre, organized by the two companies of Gorna and Dolna Maala, fronted by the groom, the bride, the two devils and Stupid Augusts.

The parade starts at noon with masked revellers stopping in downtown Vevchani to dance.

St. Basil Day falls on Wednesday when many families are marking the feast day of the saint. Later in the day, all masked revellers once again gather in downtown Vevchani to set the masks on fire and chase away the evil. 

People will ring in the new year according to the Julian calendar in the evening with spectacular fireworks in downtown Vevchani and with live performances by folk artists. 

The 2026 Vevchani Carnival started yesterday with performances by pop singer Vlatko Lozanoski and hip-hop duo Puka Kozmetika. 

MIA file photo