08:00 - 20:00
(CYCLING TOUR)
VEVCANI
Etno village, Museum under the open sky
The existance of this settlement dates back to the third century B.C. It is situated on the slopes of the Jablanica mountain, along the western shore of Lake Ohrid. The village is located on a slope, starting at an altitude of 800 m a.s.l. , with its upper end as high as 950 m a.s.l. It is one of the most interesting places in the area, with its narrow, steep streets and the wealth of rushing streams along them emerging at 1500 liter per second from the springs above the village. The clear, freezing water and the freshness relaxes you after the ridding uphill.
Paganism and Christianity have left deep marks in these areas, leaving rich heritage embodied in the local traditional embroidery, weaving, woodcarving and the large number of festivities. The most famous event is the internationally renowned Vevcani Carnival, a tradition of over 1400 years, which takes plase on the 13 th and 14 th of January every year. During the two days of festivities, the village echoes with the sounds of drums and traditional zurle in the songs and chants of the masks - groups of villagers disguised in both traditional and modern masks. The festivities celebrate the arrival of the New Year by the Julian calendar, the water springs are baptized for a wealthier and happier new year, the evil spirits are chased away, with all the evil that had remained in the village over the previous year. The carnival has been a member of the Association of European Carnival Cities since 1993.