The culture of North Macedonia
It is difficult to say what really Macedonian culture is in North Macedonia, as there are many different ethnic groups within the country, each with their own culture. The Albanians and Turks, for example, have their own language and religion. Some cultures have intermingled, for example many Macedonians converted to Islam when the country was ruled by Muslims. These torbeschen then form their own small cultural area. As you can see, there is no such thing as “the Macedonian culture”, but rather many of their own and partly mixed in one country.
North Macedonian folk costume
The colorful embroidery patterns are typical of the North Macedonian folk costume. An embroidered apron is definitely part of a traditional North Macedonian folk costume. The aprons are mostly hand-embroidered and each Macedonian region has its own pattern. Often you also wear a scarf over your head, which is often decorated with flowers or other patterns. If you can, you can also wear gold jewelry, such as bracelets, earrings and chains. A white blouse and a long skirt are worn under the apron.
While men wear black pants that Benevrek be called and a white cotton shirt that Riza. It is often embroidered and brightly decorated on the neckline and sleeves. These sometimes gets even a long rock-like clothing called Fastanela and a wide colorful belt Poja is called. Men wear a sleeveless vest (Elek) over their shirt. A black hat is worn on the head and a Kaltsi, a colorful cloth, is tied around the neck.
Music in North Macedonia
The traditional folk music of North Macedonia was mainly influenced by the various rulers over the area. For example, you can find Turkish elements in it. This is because today’s North Macedonia once belonged to the Ottoman Empire. Besides, the music was also influenced by Byzantine music. You can dance to most of the songs, as North Macedonian music is often happy and rhythmic melodies. Traditional instruments are tapan (drums), kaval (flutes) and the tambura.
Everyday Life
The Ohrid lake
Scientists assume that Lake Ohrid is five million years old! This makes it one of the oldest lakes in the world. Interesting species live in the lake, for example the Ohrid trout. This is so because it can only be found in Lake Ohrid. But not only scientists enjoy the lake, many visitors also go there to enjoy the beaches around it. A famous image and to a certain extent the symbol of Macedonia became the St. Jovan Kaneo Church against the backdrop of Lake Ohrid.
Earthquake hazard?
As a country located in Europe detailed by naturegnosis, Macedonia is located in a region that is repeatedly hit by earthquakes. This has to do with the fact that the Mediterranean region, where Macedonia is also located, lies on several smaller tectonic plates. The plate boundaries meet and the resulting pressure can trigger earthquakes.
Three particularly strong earthquakes from the last two millennia are known: one in 518, one in 1555 and another in 1963. But also in the near future, namely in 2009, there was another earthquake in the region. This was a little less severe but left some damage in the Skopje region.
Eating in North Macedonia
Macedonian cuisine
The Balkans have been influenced for years by oriental and Mediterranean cuisine. Greek, Turkish and Slavic dishes found their way onto Macedonian plates. You can still taste these influences in Macedonia today.
The main ingredients include wheat and corn. People also like to eat meat, for example beef, sheep, pork or game. There are various fish specialties on the country’s major rivers. At Lake Ohrid, the Ohrid trout is a specialty, because it doesn’t live in any other body of water and should taste particularly good.
Typical dishes in Macedonia
A popular Macedonian salad is the Shopska salad made from lettuce, tomatoes, sheep’s cheese, onions and cucumbers. He is a good example of the Mediterranean cuisine in Macedonia. The kebab comes to Macedonia from Turkey, a flat roll with vegetables, salad, beef or lamb and other ingredients. On the other hand, dishes like moussaka, a casserole made from potatoes and eggplant, are more Greek. In Macedonia it tastes a little different than in Greece, because the moussaka is refined with local spices. The Ćevapčići are a must in the entire Balkan region. These are small rolls made of minced meat, which are refined together with peppers and onions and then fried, well seasoned.
Local differences
In some parts of Macedonia you will not be offered either pork or wine, because there is a Muslim majority of Albanians who do not eat pork or drink alcohol.
For dessert
As in many other Balkan countries, people in Macedonia like to nibble after dinner or with coffee and tea. Then there is, for example, Kadaifi, which is also called angel hair. These sweet pastries are made from thin threads of dough and filled with almonds or walnuts. A specialty originally from Asia is Alva (also called Halva). This is a mass of ingredients such as sugar, honey and oil seeds that can be bought in different flavors such as vanilla or cocoa. Other typical desserts are Baklava or Lokum.
