Strumica

About

In North Macedonia’s southeastern region sits Strumica, a city with archeological roots that run all the way back to 6000 BC. The fertile fields surrounding Strumica have provided a rich basis for its agricultural economy for thousands of years, but its longest-running tradition is Strumica Carnival. This festival marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent that leads up to Easter. It is among the oldest Carnivals in the Balkans, with its earliest mention being from a Turkish author in 1670. The streets fill up with dancers in extravagant, feathered traditional costumes, stalls of merchants selling masks and food, and musical parades. During the first night of festivities, a prince and princess are chosen at the masquerade ball, and orthodox priests bless newlywed couples. People come from near and far to welcome in the season of Lent in Strumica.