Main festivals and customs in Macedonia

The Republic of Macedonia (Републи к а Ма к едони а) is located in the Balkans in southeastern Europe. The Macedonian region includes the Republic of Macedonia, which was independent from the former Yugoslavia, the Macedonian region in northern Greece includes Central Macedonia, Western Macedonia, and Eastern Macedonia-Thrace, and the southwestern corner of Bulgaria. The majority ethnic group in the Republic of Macedonia is a branch of the Slavs and has nothing to do with the Macedonian Kingdom of ancient Greece (also known as the Alexander Empire in its heyday).

The official language of Macedonia is Macedonian and is the most widely spoken language. Macedonian language belongs to the Slavic family. In some areas, Albania is also one of the main languages of communication. Many Macedonians speak English, French, German, Russian, Italian and other European languages. Most residents in Macedonia believe in Orthodox Christianity, accounting for 67% of the total population; a minority believe in Islam, accounting for 30% of the total population; and other religions account for 3%.

Macedonians are hospitable. If they are invited to a private home, they are generally not late. They can bring flowers, wine or chocolates as small gifts. When sending flowers, pay attention to the odd number to express joy. Sending even flowers is usually used for funerals. It is impolite to visit or make phone calls before 5 p.m. Macedonians like to go to restaurants, bars, and cafes for nightlife, and usually have fun until late on weekends before resting.

Main Festival January 1: New Year's Day January 7: Christmas Orthodox Christmas January 19: Vodici Orthodox Epiphany March 31: Tree Planting Arbor Day April 22 - 25: Veliki Petok Orthodox Easter May 1: Labour Day Labor Day May 24: SAINT CYRIL AND METHODIUS DAY St. Kirill and Metodi Memorial Day June 10: DUHOVDEN Qingming Festival August 2: ILINDEN Anniversary of the Ilinden Uprising August 28: GOLEMA BOGORODICA Day August 30: RAMAZAN BAJRAM Beginning of Ramadan September 8: INDEPENDENCE DAY National Day October 11: Uprising AGAINST FASCISM Day October 23: MACEDONIAN REVOLUTIONARY Fight Macedonian Revolution Day December 8: ST. CLIMENT OHRIDSKI Cultural Saint's Day