Skopje, 10 January 2023 (MIA) – The village of Vevchani is preparing to host the Vevchani Carnival, an annual event taking place on January 13-14 for 14 centuries to celebrate St. Basil and Orthodox New Year.

Masked revelers, called Vasilichars, in addition to wearing the traditional masks of August the Stupid, the Groom and the Bride, the Devils, will parade through the village in southwestern North Macedonia using satire to mock political events. They will chase away the bad spirits banging on drums in order to ring in the New Year cleansed and happy.

The Vevchani Carnival is unique preserving most of its source features from 14 centuries ago, according to Spase Kochoski, Mayor of the Municipality of Vevchani.

“The carnival is a medium telling the government and the ruler that something is wrong all the while serving to correct the government. It contains humor and satire. A smart government in the carnival can detect all the negative things it had done throughout the year and to make corrections,” he told a news conference, noting the event is not a place where religious and national hatred is spread.

This year, the event will also include a festival of music performances by rock and pop and folk bands and artists.