Struga Poetry EveningsThe idea of establishing the “Struga Poetry Evenings” was born in Struga on 15 July 1961. It all started with a series of readings by a number of Macedonian poets in honor of the two brothers, Konstantin and Dimitar Miladinov, great intellectuals, teachers, and writers, born in Struga in the beginning of the 19th century.
Since 1961 the event has been taking place every August and usually lasts three to five days. Each year, this poetry festival begins traditionally with the reading of Konstantin Miladinov's unforgettable poem "Longing for the South" ("T'ga za jug"). Inspired by the harsh Russian winters, Konstantin wrote this memorable poem during his student days in Moscow.
During its existence of over 45 years, the festival has hosted some 4,000 poets, translators, essayists, and literary critics from 95 countries worldwide. The most spectacular evening of the festival is certainly the one entitled “Bridges,” when the poets address the audience with their poetry from the bridge where the Crn Drim River exits the lake Ohrid. Each year the winner is awarded with a “Golden Wreath.”
Vevcani Carnival
The village of Vevcani is situated on the west side of the Debar-Struga highway, just 15km away from Struga and Lake Ohrid. On the night between 13-14 January every year the carnival of Vasilica (Macedonian Orthodox New Year) takes place in this village. This carnival is one of the most attractive events in Macedonia. The participants, with a realistic sense of humour, satire, and sarcasm, mark the events of everyday life and mainly mock the authorities and the power they represent. The carnival in this small village is 14 centuries old and is included in the world carnival list. Additionally, the beautiful waterfalls close to the village make it a desirable destination for tourists in the summer months.
