Vevchani, 13 January 2025 (MIA) - The Vevchani Carnival is very important not only for Vevchani but also for the Republic of Macedonia. It is a national brand, something recognizable not only in Macedonia, but also in Europe and the entire world. We must nurture it, and we must preserve and upgrade this tradition, said Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov on Monday ahead of the beginning of the masked parade in Vevchani.

Ljutkov highlighted the criticism of society and politicians as an important aspect of the carnival. 

“This is especially important for these carnivals, since I come from the acting profession and theater always criticizes society. It criticizes politicians, it criticizes political situations. This carnival has the same role, to criticize me, to criticize society, to criticize politicians, and we should accept this positively. As a result of the criticism, we will improve as well, in terms of our attitude towards society and the citizens,” Ljutkov said. 

The Minister vowed the budget for the carnival would rise each year, with the hopes the event can grow and become a more recognizable brand. 

In addition to Minister Ljutkov and Vevchani Mayor Spase Kochovski, the parade was attended by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Deputy Minister of Justice Alen Dereban, MPs, representative of the diplomatic corps, as well as the President of the Federation of European Carnival Cities, Lars Algell. 

The event will end on Tuesday with the traditional burning of the masks in Vevchani. 

Photo: MIA