Sights · Our pick
Vevčani Carnival
Every 13–14 January
A masked winter carnival held each 13 and 14 January to mark the old-calendar New Year.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © MariceskiIvanco · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Ketitalevska · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © MariceskiIvanco · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons1 / 3
About Vevčani Carnival
Vevčani, a village of springs at the foot of Jablanica, about 15 km from Lake Ohrid, is best known for its carnival, which locals say is as old as the village itself: more than 1,400 years. It takes place every year on 13 and 14 January, a midwinter celebration of masks that draws visitors from far beyond the village. Arrive early to find a good spot, wrap up warmly for a mountain winter, and stay to explore the old houses and the Vevčani Springs, a protected natural monument, once the crowds thin out.
Our take
- Masks and ritual games
- Old New Year rites
- Federation of European Carnival Cities
- Winter trip from Ohrid
- Address
- Vevčani, the Balkans
- Website
- vevcani.gov.mk
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Vevčani Carnival before you go.
Last checked: October 2026 How we choose
Location
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