Macedonian People

Monday, April 23, 2018

In the late 19th century, the ethnic group of Macedonian People began to rediscover its voice. It was only after the World War II that the Republic of Macedonia was recognized inside the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Since 1991, two-thirds of the Macedonian People have been living in their own independent country. The rest of them are scattered in the entire Balkan Peninsula and even in the entire world. 

Not all the countries recognize the ethnic group of Macedonians despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of Macedonians are living outside their country. In some countries, even the Macedonians forgot their roots. But there are also examples of small communities that stayed together and proudly defended their ethnicity. Wherever you'll meet a Macedonian, he or she will leave a strong impression and will make you meet other Macedonians, because they all know each other. There is a network of Macedonians all over the world.

The Macedonian People is part of the larger Slavic population and shares with them the religion and many traditions. They are Orthodox Christians and some very devout ones. Don't cross with them on religious themes! You can understand the importance of religion in one people's life by taking part in a church wedding. A Macedonian wedding is dramatic, complicated, with clear rules. In countries where they preserve their ethnicity, they tend to contract marriages preferable among the members of their group. Don't fall in love if you are not a Macedonian!

Some time ago, Macedonia was a pastoral country, and its people were made up of farmers and shepherds. Although they still tend to love country life, modern Macedonians are more urban and followed the world scheme of commerce, marketing, and consumption.

Culture in Macedonia

A traditional Macedonian wedding is full of vibes.

Even if their modern life is mostly urban and economical, there is a strong connection between Macedonians and their land. If you want to be friend with them, listen to their traditional music and stories. Admire their traditional dances and costumes. Take part in festivals that celebrate nature. Those are the moments when you can really feel the heart of the Macedonian People.

Situated at the confluence of Byzantine, Mediterranean, and Ottoman influences, Macedonian architecture developed its unique atmosphere. In Skopje, for example, you can admire churches and mosques, open-air bazaars and modern shops, traditional houses and 21st-century apartments.

The people are diverse as well. They don't wear traditional clothes in the street, don't worry. But their national craft is weaving carpets and blankets, so you know what kind of souvenir to take home.

The Macedonian people have a passion for music and dancing, but also for theater and poetry. In the last years, Macedonia had a cultural boost. It is not uncommon to see full house theater plays. More than 15 theater companies are spread all over the country. They really love performing arts. Recite is in their blood.

Nature and Geography of Macedonia

The Macedonian countryside is simply beautiful.

Situated at a junction of routes, Macedonia occupies today just a small part of the region with the same name. But it is beautifully gifted with a mountainous land, with three peaks over 2,000 meters, where shepherding has found a good place. Lakes Ohrid and Prespa are tectonic lakes and have several mineral and hot springs nearby.

Even the climate is a mix here. Situated at the border of Mediterranean climate and continental climate, Macedonia has the best of both. You won't freeze in the winter and won't boil in the summer, which makes it perfect for trekking and hiking all year long. 

Read more: Places To Visit In Macedonia

Nature was generous with the wildlife and people learned to take care of it. In the forests of Macedonia, you can meet bears, lynx, and wolves and it is not an experience like you see on TV. 

People are serene in their picturesque villages but have enough stories to get your hair up.

Travel Ideas

The Chruch of San Juan Caneo on Ohrid is situated on the perfect spot.

Among the places to visit to get to know the Macedonian People there are Skopje (the capital) and Lake Ohrid. You can see Muslims and Christians living together in a Balkan typical city. They respect the times for praying, the holidays, and everything that comes with religion.

This also means you'll have bazaars and boutiques, museums of ancient history and modern glass buildings, new and old architecture. 

And if you love to get lost in nature, visit Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the oldest lakes in Europeinfo-icon, Lake Ohrid is home to fascinating species of plant and animals. Tourists are attracted by the mountains that surround the lake, by the fishing heaven, and by the two lovely medieval cities. 

Read more: What Are Some Attractive Qualities of Macedonia?

Locals also love Lake Ohrid and not just because it's beautiful. Fishers come here from all over the country, and for many locals, this is a way of putting something on the table.

All about Macedonia and the Macedonian People

A sunset over Skopje reveals its intimacy.

The Macedonian people are a new nation in the shoes of an old nation. Being at the confluence of roads, empires, and desires, Macedonia had a hard time preserving its national identity. Modern Macedonians look after their cultural and historical heritage with great care. 

But you'll see them struggling to learn the new ways of democracy and leaving the old habits behind.


Traveling in Macedonia is a challenge and an adventure. Here you'll find people with a big heart, exceptional traditions, nature celebrating festivals, love for nature and wildlife. The Macedonian People knows to enjoy life, to be a small and happy part of the Universe. And, of course, to celebrate it in songs, poems, and anything that need the ability to recite.

Monica Radulescu a freelance writer for aSabbatical.com
Travelling is a joy. It's a way to become a better and wiser person. Mountain paths and road trips are my favourites.