Culture in North Macedonia

Tavče Gravče is a national dish of North Macedonia. It is a hearty speciality made from white beans slowly baked in a clay pot. Tavče Gravče is flavoured with onions, peppers, tomatoes and a hint of local spices. This traditional dish is often served on Fridays and symbolises the country's rich culture and hospitality.

Selsko Meso is a delicious Macedonian stew that is deeply rooted in rural tradition. It consists of a hearty mixture of pork or beef slowly stewed with mushrooms, onions and a dash of wine to bring all the flavours together. Selsko Meso is seasoned with local herbs for a rich and warming flavour.

Pastrmajlija is a savoury pastry dish that is somewhat reminiscent of pizza. Pastrmajlija is characterised by its thick dough and generous topping of spiced meat, usually lamb or beef. It is traditionally served in an oval shape, garnished with eggs and sometimes cheese and baked to perfection in the oven - a real treat for meat lovers.

Makalo is a simple but aromatic Macedonian speciality made from a paste of paprika and fresh garlic. The traditional dip is refined with a good dash of olive oil and is characterised by its strong flavour. Other ingredients that can be used to refine the dip include mashed potatoes, leeks, onions, aubergines and other vegetables. Makalo is often enjoyed as an accompaniment to meat dishes or as a tasty spread.

The Ohrid trout originally comes from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ohrid. The freshwater fish is highly prized as an edible fish due to its tender flesh and unique flavour. Traditionally, Ohrid trout is grilled or fried and served with a light mixture of spices, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.

As the Ohrid trout is considered endangered in the wild due to overfishing, it is no longer allowed to be fished. Nowadays, only farmed Ohrid trout is served.

North Macedonia has an old wine-growing tradition and is known for its high-quality wines. The regions around Tikveš, Ohrid and Skopje are particularly known for their wine production. Wine is often served with meals and is an important part of social gatherings.

As in many Balkan countries, traditional coffee is also very popular in North Macedonia. It is prepared in a special pot (cezve) and served in small cups, often with a glass of water and something sweet such as lokum or nougat.

Rakija is a strong, distilled spirit that is often made from grapes or plums, but can also be produced from other fruits such as apples or figs. It is popular throughout the Balkan peninsula and is therefore deeply rooted in North Macedonian culture. Rakija can be drunk on various occasions, from celebrations to everyday gatherings.

The Galičnik Wedding Festival (Galička Svadba) is one of the most famous traditional events in North Macedonia and takes place annually in the village of Galičnik. During the festival, a traditional Macedonian wedding is celebrated according to ancient customs and rituals, including authentic costumes, music, dance and local food. The Galičnik Wedding Festival attracts visitors from all over the country and abroad.

One of the most famous jazz festivals in south-east Europe is the Skopje Jazz Festival, which takes place every year in October in the capital Skopje. The festival attracts international and local jazz musicians and fans and offers a variety of jazz styles and performances.

The Tikveški Grozdober wine festival takes place annually in September in the Kavadarci region, which is known for its wine production. The wine festival celebrates the grape harvest with wine tasting, traditional music, dancing and parades. It is a tribute to the region's long wine-growing tradition.

The Ohrid Summer Festival (Ohridsko Leto) is a renowned cultural and arts festival held every year in July and August in the historic city of Ohrid. The festival includes a wide range of events, including classical concerts, ballet performances, operas and theatre plays as well as visual art exhibitions.