The Balkan Festival of Folk Songs and Dances – Celebrating Tradition in North Macedonia

Experience the Oldest International Folklore Festival in the Balkans | Est. 1962

Step into a world of living tradition at the Balkan Festival of Folk Songs and Dances, one of the most beloved and long-standing cultural events in North Macedonia. Established in 1962, this international folklore festival brings together performers from across the Balkan region and beyond, offering a mesmerizing showcase of traditional music, dances, customs, and rituals.

Where Culture Meets the Coast

The festival unfolds in some of North Macedonia’s most scenic lakeside towns, creating a unique atmosphere where cultural heritage meets natural beauty. With a rich program of live performances, parades, and traditional showcases, the event honors the region’s diverse ethnographic heritage through song, dance, poetry, and storytelling.

A Living History of the Balkans

Each year, over 42,000 participants and visitors gather to celebrate centuries-old traditions passed down through generations. Dressed in colorful, authentic costumes, performers share the oral histories and cultural practices of their ancestors—preserving and promoting them on a global stage.

This is more than a performance; it’s a deep cultural experience that invites you to feel the rhythm of the Balkans and witness the pride and unity of its people.

A Must-See Cultural Event in North Macedonia

As one of the most important folklore events in the region, the Balkan Festival of Folk Songs and Dances is a symbol of national identity, peace, and intercultural dialogue. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, traveler, or simply curious, this festival offers an authentic window into Balkan heritage.

Why Attend the Balkan Festival of Folk Songs and Dances?

• International folklore performers from across the Balkans

• Traditional dances, music, poetry, and storytelling

• Hosted in beautiful lakeside towns in North Macedonia

• Over 42,000 attendees each year

• A vibrant celebration of regional identity and heritage

Galicnik Wedding Festival – A Timeless Macedonian Tradition

Celebrate Love the Traditional Way | Every July on St. Peter’s Day in Galicnik, North Macedonia

Nestled in the majestic Bistra Mountains near Mavrovo National Park, the historic village of Galicnik hosts one of North Macedonia’s most unique and cherished cultural events—the Galicnik Wedding Festival. This extraordinary event takes place every July on St. Peter’s Day, reviving the centuries-old traditions of Macedonian village weddings in a spectacular three-day celebration.

Step Into a Living Folk Tale

Each year, one lucky couple is chosen to be married in full traditional style, with ceremonies and rituals that date back generations. The entire village comes alive with music, dancing, feasting, and ancient customs, offering a rare glimpse into Macedonian heritage at its most authentic.

The Galicnik Wedding is more than just a cultural showcase—it’s a community celebration of identity, history, and love.

Highlights of the Galicnik Wedding Festival

Over the course of the festival, visitors experience powerful traditional rituals that have stood the test of time. Some of the most memorable moments include:

• Public shaving of the groom in front of the villagers

• Bride arriving on horseback to the groom’s family home

• Traditional Macedonian costumes, worn by all participants

• Folk dancing, music, and parades through the village streets

• Authentic Macedonian food and drink, served in festive style

These unforgettable customs are performed in front of thousands of visitors and remain deeply rooted in Macedonian culture and folklore.

A Festival That Reconnects Generations

The Galicnik Wedding gained popularity in the 1950s when Macedonians living abroad or in cities began returning to their ancestral village to marry in the traditional way. Today, it stands as a proud symbol of national identity and continuity—uniting the past and present in one of the most picturesque mountain settings in the Balkans.

Why Visit the Galicnik Wedding Festival?

• Witness an authentic Macedonian wedding ritual

• Set in the breathtaking mountain village of Galicnik near Mavrovo

• Enjoy live folk music, dancing, and centuries-old customs

• Celebrate Macedonian heritage and identity

• Happens once a year—don’t miss your chance to experience it

Manaki Brothers International Film Festival – A Tribute to Balkan Cinema in Bitola

Celebrate the Art of Cinematography in the Heart of North Macedonia | Every September in Bitola

Held each September in the historic city of Bitola, the Manaki Brothers International Cinematographers Film Festival is one of North Macedonia’s most prestigious cultural events. Organized by the Macedonian Film Professionals Association (MFPA), the festival honors the legacy of Yanaki and Milton Manaki, the pioneering brothers who created the first Balkan film in 1905.

Bitola – Where Film History Comes to Life

Set against a backdrop of stunning Ottoman and neoclassical architecture, Bitola provides the perfect stage for this cinematic celebration. Known for its vibrant cultural life and rich history, the city draws filmmakers, actors, producers, and movie lovers from across the world to experience the magic of film through the lens of cinematographic excellence.

A Festival Honoring the First Balkan Filmmakers

The Manaki Brothers Festival is named after Yanaki and Milton Manaki, trailblazing cinematographers who brought moving images to the Balkans for the first time. Their groundbreaking 1905 documentary, The Weavers, captured their grandmother spinning wool and is considered the first film ever made in the region.

Since its inception, the festival has grown into an internationally recognized event that promotes both Macedonian and global cinema, with a special focus on the often-unsung art of cinematography.

A Hub for Film Professionals and Cinema Fans

Each year, the festival presents:

• International and regional film screenings

• Awards for Best Cinematography, honoring outstanding visual storytelling

• Workshops, panels, and masterclasses by leading cinematographers and directors

• A meeting point for film industry professionals from Europe and beyond

The MFPA continues to play a vital role in supporting North Macedonia’s film industry, using the Manaki Brothers Festival as a platform to celebrate film heritage and encourage cinematic innovation.

Why Attend the Manaki Brothers Film Festival?

• The oldest festival honoring cinematography in the Balkans

• International recognition and participation from acclaimed filmmakers

• Hosted in the charming cultural city of Bitola

• A unique platform blending Macedonian cinema with global trends

• Held annually every September – a must-see event for film lovers

Skopje Jazz Festival – North Macedonia’s Premier Music Event

Feel the Rhythm of Global Jazz in the Heart of Skopje | Every October Since 1982

The Skopje Jazz Festival is one of the most respected and long-standing music festivals in North Macedonia, traditionally held at the end of October in the country’s vibrant capital, Skopje. Established in 1982, this internationally recognized event has grown into a cultural institution, attracting world-class jazz musicians and thousands of music lovers from across Europe and beyond.

A Jazz Tradition That Transcends Borders

Although jazz may not originate from the Balkans, the Skopje Jazz Festival has proven that great music knows no boundaries. Over the decades, it has built a reputation as one of the most prestigious jazz festivals in the region, blending international talent with local enthusiasm to create an unforgettable atmosphere year after year.

Today, the festival is considered a landmark event for both Skopje and North Macedonia’s cultural scene, drawing diverse audiences and consistently showcasing top-tier performances.

Legendary Artists and Unforgettable Performances

The Skopje Jazz Festival has hosted some of the most influential names in jazz and world music, making it a must-attend event for serious music fans and cultural explorers alike.

Past performers include:

• Ray Charles

• Antony Braxton

• Al Di Meola

• Youssou N’Dour

• Marshal Allen

• Gotan Project, Cubanismo, D.D. Jackson, Maria João, Sierra Maestra, Brazilian Girls, Rabih Abou-Khalil, and many more.

Each year, new legends take the stage, continuing a tradition of genre-defining performances and musical innovation.

Why Attend the Skopje Jazz Festival?

• International jazz and world music legends in one place

• A major cultural highlight in Skopje since 1982

• A mix of global and Balkan musical influences

• Diverse venues and a vibrant nightlife scene

• Located in the heart of North Macedonia’s capital city

Štip Pastrmajlija Festival – A Delicious Celebration of Tradition in North Macedonia

Taste the Heart of Macedonian Cuisine at Pastrmajlijada | Every Autumn in Štip

If you’re a food lover traveling through North Macedonia, don’t miss the Štip Pastrmajlija Festival—also known as Pastrmajlijada. Held annually in the city of Štip, this flavorful event is dedicated to one of Macedonia’s most iconic traditional dishes: the pastrmajlija, a savory flatbread pie made with spiced meat.

A Festival Dedicated to a National Culinary Treasure

The pastrmajlija is a branded and protected Macedonian product, known for its unique recipe, high-quality ingredients, and deep roots in the culinary culture of Štip. It’s much more than just food—it’s a symbol of Macedonian identity, bringing locals and tourists together to celebrate through taste, tradition, and music.

The Pastrmajlijada Festival is not only a feast for the stomach but also for the soul, enriched with a lively cultural program of live music, folk performances, and entertainment for all generations.

What to Expect at Štip’s Pastrmajlija Festival

Every autumn, the streets of Štip are filled with the aroma of freshly baked pastrmajlija, as local chefs, bakers, and restaurants compete to offer the best versions of this beloved meat pie. But food is only part of the experience.

Live concert featuring pop, rock, and folk-ethno music
Cooking demonstrations and traditional recipes
Cultural showcases with dancers and performers in traditional costumes
Family-friendly atmosphere with local vendors and entertainment
A city-wide celebration of Macedonian hospitality, music, and cuisine

The event attracts thousands of visitors from around the country and beyond, making it one of North Macedonia’s most popular gastronomic festivals.

Why Attend the Štip Pastrmajlija Festival?

• Celebrate a unique Macedonian culinary tradition

• Enjoy live music and traditional folk performances

• Explore the historic city of Štip and its local culture

• Taste authentic pastrmajlija from top regional chefs

• Experience Macedonian hospitality at its finest

Kruševo Etno City Festival – A Living History in the Heart of North Macedonia

Step Into the Past Every Summer | July 15 – August 15 in Kruševo

Every summer, the mountain town of Kruševo transforms into a vibrant living museum during the Kruševo Etno City Festival. Held annually from July 15 to August 15, this unique cultural event commemorates the Ilinden Uprising of 1903, a key moment in Macedonian history, through authentic costumes, reenactments, and cultural showcases.

Experience Tradition in Motion

During the festival, locals dress in traditional Ottoman-era and revolutionary costumes, symbolizing the historic struggle for freedom. Rather than a staged performance, participants integrate their roles into daily life, walking through the streets of Kruševo while performing everyday activities—just as they would have over a century ago.

This immersive experience animates the town and creates a powerful, moving tribute to Macedonia’s revolutionary past, bringing history to life for visitors of all ages.

A Celebration of Culture, History, and Community

The Kruševo Etno City Festival not only honors the legacy of the Ilinden Uprising, but also promotes local tourism, heritage, and creativity. In addition to historical reenactments, the month-long festival features:

• Handicraft workshops with local artisans

• Art exhibitions highlighting regional talent

• Concerts of traditional and modern Macedonian music

• A visually stunning atmosphere for culture lovers and photographers alike

Whether you’re passionate about history, folklore, or simply curious to see North Macedonia’s traditions in action, this festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.

Why Attend the Kruševo Etno City Festival?

• Walk through a living history of the Ilinden Uprising

• See authentic Ottoman and revolutionary costumes

• Set in Kruševo, the highest town in the Balkans

• Enjoy live music, crafts, parades, and cultural performances

• Perfect summer travel timing—mid-July to mid-August

Taksirat Festival – North Macedonia’s Ultimate Alternative Music Experience

The Only Winter Music Festival in Southeastern Europe | Late November – Early December in Skopje

For lovers of alternative, punk, metal, rock, indie, hip-hop, and reggae, Taksirat Festival is North Macedonia’s biggest and boldest music event. Held annually between late November and early December in Skopje, this multi-day music festival is one of the most anticipated cultural events in the region—and the only winter music festival in Southeastern Europe.

A Festival That Breaks the Mold

Since its inception, Taksirat has built a reputation as a home for non-mainstream music and creative freedom. With an average of 15,000+ visitors each year, it attracts a passionate community of music fans from across Europe, all eager to discover and celebrate raw, authentic sound in a high-energy atmosphere.

More than just a concert series, Taksirat is a cultural movement that promotes independence, diversity, and underground spirit in every beat.

A Legendary Line-Up of International Artists

Over the years, Taksirat has welcomed an impressive lineup of global music icons and underground legends, including:

• Iggy Pop & The Stooges

• Kaiser Chiefs

• Parov Stelar

• Manu Chao

• Guano Apes, Laibach, The Stranglers, Juliette Lewis, The Wailers, Neville Staple (The Specials), Buzzcocks, Marky Ramone (The Ramones) and many more

With a genre-spanning program that goes late into the night, every edition delivers unforgettable moments for fans of live alternative music.

Recognized for Quality and Sustainability

Taksirat is also proud to be the only festival in North Macedonia to win the Green’N’Clean Award (2011), presented by YOUROPE – The European Festival Association, for its commitment to sustainability and responsible event organization.

Why Attend Taksirat Festival?

• North Macedonia’s largest alternative music festival

• A top winter music event in all of Southeastern Europe

• Diverse music lineup: rock, punk, indie, metal, hip-hop, reggae & more

• Eco-conscious festival recognized by YOUROPE

• Multi-day, all-night experiences with a massive underground vibe

Strumica Carnival – North Macedonia’s Most Colorful and Unique Festival Tradition

A Vibrant Celebration of Love, Masks, and Tradition | Every Year During Trimeri in Strumica

The Strumica Carnival is one of the most visually stunning and culturally rich events in North Macedonia, with roots that stretch back for centuries. Held annually during Trimeri, a religious celebration tied to Forgiveness Sunday (Pročka), the carnival transforms the city of Strumica into a dazzling spectacle of masks, music, tradition, and romance.

A Centuries-Old Tradition With a Romantic Twist

The highlight of the carnival takes place on Tuesday night, when masked groups parade through the streets of Strumica in an energetic and theatrical celebration. In a unique ritual not seen elsewhere in the country, these masked revelers—mostly men—visit the homes of their fiancées, and the engaged girls must try to recognize their partners behind the disguises.

This charming and playful tradition is the only one of its kind in North Macedonia, creating a celebration that blends folklore, mystery, and love, set against the vibrant backdrop of the city’s festive energy.

The carnival always begins on the Sunday night of Pročka and lasts through Wednesday, marking three days known as the “Trimeri Days.”

Deep Historical and Cultural Significance

The first written mention of the Strumica Carnival dates back to the 17th century, by renowned Turkish travel writer Evliya Çelebi, making it one of the oldest continuously celebrated carnival traditions in the Balkans.

In 1994, the Strumica Carnival gained international recognition by becoming a member of the Federation of European Carnival Cities (FECC), connecting it to a network of historic and globally celebrated carnival cities.

Why Attend the Strumica Carnival?

• One of the oldest and most unique carnival traditions in the Balkans

• A romantic ritual dedicated to engaged couples

• Lively parades, masked balls, and city-wide celebrations

• Rich cultural heritage dating back to the 1600s

• Member of the International Association of Carnival Cities (FECC)