Saints Cyril and Methodius' Day in North Macedonia

Saints Cyril and Methodius' Day is a national holiday in North Macedonia, celebrated annually on May 24th. It is a day dedicated to the two Byzantine brothers, Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are credited with creating the Glagolitic alphabet, which was the precursor to the Cyrillic alphabet used today in North Macedonia and other Slavic countries.

History:

• 9th Century: Saints Cyril (827–869) and Methodius (815–885) were missionaries of Christianity.
• They were sent by the Byzantine Emperor to Great Moravia to spread Christianity among the Slavic people.
• They developed the Glagolitic script, making it possible for many Slavs to read the Bible in their own languages for the first time.

Traditions:

• Cultural Celebrations: The day is marked by various cultural events highlighting the importance of literacy, culture, and history.
• Educational Events: Schools often organize events emphasizing language and literature.
• Religious Observances: The Orthodox Church holds special services commemorating the saints.

Activities:

People participate in or attend:

• Public speeches and ceremonies.
• Concerts featuring traditional music.
• Poetry readings and literary gatherings.

The day serves as a reminder of North Macedonia's cultural heritage and linguistic achievements. Saints Cyril and Methodius are revered for their role in shaping written communication among Slavic peoples.