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New Year's Eve, known in North Macedonia as "Нова Година" (Nova Godina), is celebrated on December 31st, marking the end of the year in the Gregorian calendar. While North Macedonia has a rich history influenced by various cultures and empires, its modern New Year's Eve traditions have largely been shaped by Western influences and the Orthodox Christian calendar.
Historically, the Julian calendar was used, which places Christmas and New Year's celebrations on January 7th and 14th respectively. However, nowadays, most Macedonians celebrate New Year's Eve on December 31st in alignment with global practices.
On New Year's Eve, people across North Macedonia engage in festive activities that are both private and public:
Family Gatherings: Many Macedonians spend the evening with family at home. They prepare a festive dinner that often includes traditional dishes such as 'sarma' (cabbage rolls), 'tavče gravče' (baked beans), various grilled meats, and salads.
Fireworks: As midnight approaches, fireworks light up the sky. It is a popular tradition to set off fireworks to welcome the new year with a bang.
Music and Dancing: Music is an essential part of the celebration. Families may listen to music at home or go out to events where live bands play traditional Macedonian music as well as contemporary tunes.
Public Celebrations: In major cities like Skopje, Bitola, and Ohrid, public celebrations are held with concerts featuring popular Macedonian artists. The main squares become gathering spots for people of all ages.
Children’s Celebrations: On January 1st or shortly after, it is customary for children to visit neighbors and relatives to wish them a Happy New Year. In return, they often receive small gifts or money.
In recent years, Western-style parties have also become common among younger generations who might attend nightclubs or organize private parties with friends to count down to the new year.
Overall, New Year's Eve in North Macedonia is a blend of family-oriented traditions and lively public festivities reflecting both its rich cultural heritage and contemporary global influences.