Skopje, 6 January 2026 (MIA) - Several thousand children participated on Tuesday in the traditionally held Christmas Eve (Badnik) processions nationwide, carrying gold-colored stars symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem and singing "Lord God, the Eternal". Badnik processions of carolers were held in 80 cities and towns across the country, as well as with the Macedonian diaspora in Slovenia, Italy, Austria, France and the United States. 

The central celebration was held in Skopje, with children from all Skopje municipalities gathering at the Museum of the City Of Skopje at 11:30 am to form the procession. The procession then made its way through the Macedonia street to Macedonia Square, in front of a nativity scene portraying the birth of Christ. 

The celebration at the Macedonia Square continued with a carolling concert featuring more than 40 musicians, actors, singers and members of the "Golden Nightingale" children's choir. The concert was developed under the artistic guidance of Vlado Dojchinoski with dramaturgy by Biljana Krajchevska. 

One of the organizers of the Badnik processions, Marija Sazdeva, said this concert performance was different from the others and represents the crowning moment of the entire event.

"All the euphoria, light and the array of emotions will stop briefly, and the 40 people on stage, actors, musicians, the "Golden Nightingale" choir will make this a lasting feeling that will stay with us until next year," said Sazdeva.

She pointed out that the stage performance is primarily intended to bring the Christmas event closer to children and younger generations, so that they can reach some key messages that adults often forget.

The event's message, according to the organizers, is to uphold the light.

"It is difficult to uphold the light in this time of information overload, of all kinds of traditions that are imposed on us from abroad, and our diaspora is entering this story with complete awareness, the diaspora in the United States, in France, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, are organized in droves to join the Badnik processions. The unity, the belonging that would not allow us to forget who we are," Sazdeva said. 

As is tradition, early on Tuesday, groups of carolers visited President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, the Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia HH Stefan, as well as Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski.

The carolers sang "Lord God, the Eternal", announcing the good news of the birth of Jesus, at Skopje's St. Clement of Ohrid Cathedral Church. 

HH Stefan presented the children with an archpastoral blessing and appropriate gifts, conveying the message of faith, love and spiritual joy - values ​​rooted in the Badnik processions for the past 16 years.

The Badnik processions of carolers are uniting thousands of children, families, and communities in the spirit of light, joy, and togetherness both in the country and abroad. 

The event is supported by the Ministry of Culture and the City of Skopje. 

Photo: MIA, Facebook