Masks and costumes bring alive a 1400-year old tradition in Macedonia

Updated On Jan 14, 2016 07:39 pm IST
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Revellers participate in a parade on the street during a carnival in Vevcani, Macedonia, January 13, 2016. Vevcani village marks the annual Orthodox St. Vasilij (Basil) Day with a carnival that features a 1,400-year-old celebration with pagan roots. (REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 14, 2016 07:39 pm IST

Revellers participate in a parade on the street during a carnival in Vevcani, Macedonia, January 13, 2016. Vevcani village marks the annual Orthodox St. Vasilij (Basil) Day with a carnival that features a 1,400-year-old celebration with pagan roots. (REUTERS)

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The highlights include a political satire where masked villagers act out current events. It is one of the most famous village festivals in the Balkans. Revellers participate in a parade on the street during Vevcani carnival. (REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 14, 2016 07:39 pm IST

The highlights include a political satire where masked villagers act out current events. It is one of the most famous village festivals in the Balkans. Revellers participate in a parade on the street during Vevcani carnival. (REUTERS)

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A masked reveller participates in the carnival in Vevcani. Held on St. Basil’s Day, it marks the beginning of the New Year by the Julian calendar. (AP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 14, 2016 07:39 pm IST

A masked reveller participates in the carnival in Vevcani. Held on St. Basil’s Day, it marks the beginning of the New Year by the Julian calendar. (AP)

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A young woman wearing a costume walks in the carnival on Wednesday. The festival has its roots in the pre-Christian beliefs and rituals of the region. (AP) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 14, 2016 07:39 pm IST

A young woman wearing a costume walks in the carnival on Wednesday. The festival has its roots in the pre-Christian beliefs and rituals of the region. (AP)

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Revellers participate in a parade on the street during the Vevcani carnival. In 1993, the Vevcani village and its carnival officially became a part of the World Federation of Carnival Cities. (REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 14, 2016 07:39 pm IST

Revellers participate in a parade on the street during the Vevcani carnival. In 1993, the Vevcani village and its carnival officially became a part of the World Federation of Carnival Cities. (REUTERS)

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Revellers participate in a parade on the street during a carnival in Vevcani. (REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 14, 2016 07:39 pm IST

Revellers participate in a parade on the street during a carnival in Vevcani. (REUTERS)

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Common costumes include devils, demons and other mythical characters. (REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jan 14, 2016 07:39 pm IST

Common costumes include devils, demons and other mythical characters. (REUTERS)

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