Vevčani Carnival 2026/2027 – Masked Carnival in North Macedonia

Welcome to the Vevčani Carnival 2027 in Vevcani

Vevčani Carnival 2027 (Vasilicharski Carnival) takes place on 13 and 14 January 2027 in the mountain village of Vevčani in south-western North Macedonia. It marks New Year according to the Julian calendar and the feast of St Basil the Great (Vasilica). The community and many sources describe the tradition as more than 1,400 years old. The whole village becomes an open-air stage: masks, improvisation, social satire and old folk beliefs combine into one of the Balkans’ most distinctive carnivals. Concerts and side events sometimes start on 12 January; the ritual core remains 13 and 14 January.

Highlights & Attractions at Vevčani Carnival in Vevcani

• Masked parade of the Vasiličari through the entire village – every house and street becomes a stage.
• Traditional figures: bride and groom, “Stupid August” (Glupi Avgust), devils, and musicians with zurna and drum.
• Contemporary satirical masks commenting on politics, society and world events of the past year.
• Two Vasiličar societies from Gorna and Dolna Maala organise the procession and improvisations.
• House visits to people named Vasil/Basil, gifts and blessings for health and prosperity in the new year.
• Ritual water-fetching at the Vevčani springs and closing with the Vasiličarsko oro and the burning of the masks on 14 January.
• Free public village carnival – member of the Federation of European Carnival Cities (FECC).

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

On 13 January the masked parade traditionally starts at midday or early afternoon (often around 13:00 or 14:00) from the village entrance to the centre. The Vasiličari dance the Vasiličarsko oro, go from house to house and deliver humour and criticism without a fixed script. Evenings usually feature folk and entertainment music and, in some years, fireworks to welcome the Julian New Year.

On 14 January the masked groups continue house visits; in the morning people collect spring water for health and purification. In the afternoon everyone gathers in the centre for the traditional Vasiličarsko oro and the burning of the masks, symbolically driving away the evils of the old year. Concerts and a supporting programme may begin on 12 January; exact times and artists for 2027 will be published by the municipality on vevcani.gov.mk closer to the event.

Tickets & Admission for Vevčani Carnival Vevcani

Vevčani Carnival is a public village event with no entrance tickets. Visitors can freely join the streets and squares. There is no official ticketing system and no separate ticket site. Gifts given to the Vasiličari during house visits are part of the tradition and support the community. Practical updates are published by the Municipality of Vevčani at vevcani.gov.mk. Food, drinks and accommodation are paid separately in local venues and lodgings.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Vevcani

• Getting there: Vevčani lies about 14 km north-west of Struga, near Lake Ohrid and the Albanian border. By car use the Struga–Debar road (R1201) and enter at the stone village gate. Buses mainly run to/from Struga; from Ohrid, take a bus to Struga and continue by taxi. The village itself is walkable.
• Weather: Mid-January is cold, often below freezing up to about 5 °C. Warm layers, sturdy shoes and weatherproof clothing are essential; the carnival is outdoors.
• Accommodation: Limited capacity in the village and in Struga/Ohrid – book early. Small hotels, private rooms and lakeside stays are the usual options.
• On the ground: The carnival is loud, improvised and often lively (red wine is part of the tradition). Older clothes are practical. Do not interfere with the masks; photography is common, but respect the rituals.
• Beyond the carnival: Visit the Vevčani springs, traditional stone houses, the church and the playful “Republic of Vevčani” motif (flag and symbolic guest “passports”). Official info: vevcani.gov.mk, phone +389 (0)46 784-640.