Republic of Vevchani
Republika Vevčani
You haven’t heard about the village Vevchani yet? Wow! Let’s correct this thing. Vevchani is a village like no other. It has its own Republic, and passport, and currency, and the best of all is – you can became a citizen of it too! Vevchani is a “wet” village; in the springtime you will see such quantity of water, which runs down from the slopes of the mountain, like at any other place. And its winter carnival, taking place here for more than 1300 years??? Go there and see this wonder, you won’t be sorry…
General information
Vevchani is a village, or rather small city, in the Republic of Macedonia. It is the only settlement and seat of Vevchani Municipality. Vevčani is located in the southwestern Macedonia at the foot of Jablanica mountain, 14 km north-west of the town of Struga. It is situated on 800 – 950 metres above sea level. The total number of inhabitants is only around 2500, but even though this village manages to keep its history, tradition, proud, sense of humor and uniqueness.
The Vevchani village
It is assumed that the village of Vevčani was founded sometime during period from the end of the 6th century to the beginning of the 8th century.
Vevcani is home to authentic architecture, 19 Churches, Monasteries and Chapels. The central church of the Vevcani village is Saint Nikola which dates back from 1876. A prominent monastery is Sveti Spas which is situated at over 1300 metres above sea level, above the village.
Republic within a Republic
After the fall of Communism, as a bid to attract more tourists to the village, the residents of Vevčani voted to create an independent republic in the village. The "Republic of Vevchani" (Republika Vevčani) was declared and founded in 2002. And, like every true republic, this one has its own passports and as a part of the self-styled "Republic of Vevchani", a souvenir currency called “Vevchani Lichnik” (Vevčanski Ličnik) was created. The "Lichnics" (Lichnici, plural) come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Both the passports and Lichnics can be bought in the village shops.
Vevchani republic: passport and Lichnics
Water, water, so much water …..
In the vicinity of the Vevchani village there are many glacial lakes and abundance of water sources. The highest and most prominent glacial lake is "Lokva" (Pool) which is situated at over 2000 meters above sea level on Jablanica Mountain. Vevchani sources (springs) are some of the most famous springs to be found in Macedonia and surely the most beautiful natural attraction of Macedonia. The Vevchani springs are scattered on the eastern slope of the Jablanica mountain range. Their abundant clear, almost unreal white and blue waters run through the village. The largest source is located at the opening of one of the many caves in the region. Below the largest Vevchani spring are ten minor sources which all converge together. The most famous Vevchani spring is "Jankov Kamen" (Janko’s stone) which is situated at 1200 meters above sea level. Another spring is "Mala Livada" (Small Meadow) from which the water has a unique flavor and color. It is situated at over 1600 meters above sea level. The highest Vevchani spring is "Golina" (Bare land) situated at over 2000 meters above sea level. The rate of water flow from the Vevchani springs is estimated to exceed the rate of 1500 liters per second, most notably in spring time. During summer the quantity of water decreases. The hydrological site Vevchani Springs (Vevčanski Izvori) was proclaimed Natural Monument in 1999.
Vevchani springs
Scary, funny, erotic: Vevchani carnival
The Carnival of Vevchani is traditional manifestation which has allegedly been held in Vevčani for more than 1.300 years. It is held on 13 and 14 January when people in Macedonia celebrate the beginning of the New Year (St. Basil's Day or “Vasilitsa”) according to the old Julian calendar which some branches of the Eastern Orthodox Church (Macedonian, Serbian, Russian etc.) still use.
The Carnival of Vevchani represents an interesting combination of paganism and modernism. During the carnival citizens of Vevchani seize the opportunity to disguise, "sum up" the situation, the events in Macedonia and the world in the past year. As the targets can also find politicians, public figures, businessmen, local people, but also all the events of the previous year.
Vevchani carneval
During the Vevchani Carnival different colorful events of the recent times are acted out by the villagers with a masks on their face, imitating devils, demons and other mythical characters while performing peculiar movements, gesticulations, and screams. The point is to express yourself with all possible freedom using a lot of imagination and creativity. Carnival masks specificity is that are made in strict confidence, and that all the masks are burned by the end of the carnival. Women do not participate in the carnival masks exposion. The only carnival masks that do not change are those that belong to the bride, groom, stupid August and musicians.
Do not be surprised (and shocked??) if you see some erotic elements performed during the carnival; they reflect the pagan tradition and they symbolize the cult of fertility. Traditional music is played on zurlas (a traditional wooden wind instrument) and drums.
In 1993 the Carnival of Vevchani and Vevchani itself became a member of the World Federation of Carnival Cities. When you take part in it you understand why this carnival totally deserved that.
At the streets of Vevchani
How to get there?
Vevchani village are easily accessible by bus (from the city of Struga), car and other modes of transport. The tourists can stay either in the hotels in the nearby town Struga (14 km) or in the private houses/pensions or boarding houses in Vevchani village that can accommodate mainly smaller tourists groups.
Where to look for the cache?
The cache is hidden at the area of Vevchani springs, at the end of the village. You can park your car somewhere around the village center and then follow the signs to the Springs. The cache is a small juice glass jar. Bring a pen.
Sources: Wikipedia, other internet sources. Photos: Internet and original (by Galejnik)