Skopje, 13 July 2025 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova attended the 2025 Galichnik Wedding festival, an event honouring wedding customs that reflect the Macedonian centuries-old folk tradition and culture, as an integral part of the Macedonian national identity.

Congratulating this year's bride and groom, Liljana Mihajloska and Jovan Filiposki, on their wedding day, President Siljanovska Davkova wished them a happy life together, full of love, understanding and children, and presented them with a "Galichnik Buckle" depicting a motif from the Mijak folk costume, typical of the village of Galichnik, the President's Office said in a press release.

Siljanovska Davkova expressed satisfaction with the continued observance of the Galichnik Wedding festival, pointing out that it not only cherishes Macedonian customs, but also promotes them to the world.

"Something that is part of our identity, something that is unique, something that is not found anywhere else, something that makes us special should be cherished. I am happy that many young people accept and continue this tradition," said President Siljanovska Davkova. 

The Galichnik Wedding festival is held around St. Peter's Day, because that is when migrant workers in the past would return home to get married and multiple weddings would take place in one day.

"Nestled in exceptional natural beauty, with unique architecture and ancient history, Galichnik can be a real magnet for all those who want to escape the urban chaos for a moment, in search of the magic of peace, tranquillity and the unique beauty of the past. The President pointed out that we must invest more, do more than just visit only when the marriage is concluded, and do something that will make Galichnik alive throughout the year. This unique cultural event has been held for decades under the auspices of the President of the country," reads the press release. 

Photo: President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova's Office