The village of Vevcani in North Macedonia is known throughout the Balkans for its winter carnival, a festival with roots dating back 1,400 years. A few hundred people tried to carry on the tradition on January 13 in spite of coronavirus restrictions, but police dispersed the gathering after brief scuffles.
1,400 Years And Counting: A Famous Balkan Carnival Continues, Despite The Coronavirus
- By RFE/RL
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A girl wears face paint during carnival celebrations on January 13. The date is observed as New Year's Eve according to the old Orthodox calendar and is known as St. Vasilij Day in North Macedonia.
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The festival is said to have pagan roots dating back some 1,400 years.
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Celebrants choose costumes that reflect current events, religious themes, or the festival's pagan origins.
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Some costumes seemed to make reference to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
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Hundreds of people gathered in spite of local orders banning groups of more than four.
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In past years, the carnival has become a major tourist attraction in the small town of Vevcani.
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A reveler puts on makeup to take part in the carnival.
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Many of the costumes are sinister or aim to satirize political affairs.
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Police broke up the festivities, which violated restrictions on gatherings meant to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
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There were scuffles between participants and police, but no injuries were reported.
