Strumica small park Traditional Cache

Strumica has a long history: according to archeological research, the beginning of continuous life in Strumica dates back to 6th millennium B.C., a fact proved by the neolith settlement Stranata near the village Angelci, as well as by the findings from the Czar’s Towers site nearby Strumica, where traces of a prehistoric culture which existed from the late a neolith until early Bronze Age (early 4th to mid 3rd millennium B.C.) were discovered. The area was populated later by the Paionians. The town itself dates back to the 2nd century BC, when it was called Astraion, meaning City of Stars. The Byzantine and Ottoman rule periods consequently marked the city destiny and its look. Many historical and cultural objects from these periods can be found in the city and its surrounding.

Thanks to the geographical position and close connection to Greece and Bulgaria, into the region of Strumica penetrated many religious influences. As a result of this, the region of Strumica hosts not only active Christian-orthodox religion objects, but also many other (Protestant, Catholic, Methodistic-adventistic etc.) The estimation is that this region nurtures almost 30 various religion in many objects, both in the city of Strumica and he surrounding villages. Modern Strumica will occupy all your senses. Whether it comes about food, traditional events, seightseeing – Strumica will not disappointed you.

Roman bath ruins

Let’s reveal some of the “secrets” of Strumica:

Strumica peanuts. Small, red-skin, tasty!!! You can buy them fresh roasted, smelly, salted,,, yammy!!!

Strumica mastika. A kind of brandy distillated with anise seed. When mixed with water or ice it becomes blurry white; a recipe old few hundreds years.

Ayvar (ajvar) or its varieties as pindzhur, lutenica, … Baked, pealed, smashed red paprika, with or without tomatoes, eggplants and their endless mixture and composition. Then fried, a long time! Absolutely without nutrition value, but – irresistible! Taste it with a fresh baked bread and white cheese. And you will never leave Strumica again !!! Ones a year a public contest for Best ayvar is held. Be there!

Strumica Carnival. The Strumica Carnival is a centuries-old tradition and is directly connected to the religious festival Trimeri. This is the only manifestation of such kind in Republic of Macedonia, dedicated to the engaged girls. The date changes depending on date of Easter and it is always on Tuesday after Ash Monday (check on Internet the date for every year. It’s held about 40 days prior the Orthodox Easter). During the festivity after the carnival procession, the masked groups visit the homes of the engaged girls where among the masked, the girls should recognize their fiance. I big procession of masks walk along the main Strumica street, performed songs, dances, …

Ayvar Contest

There are many other activities to do in or around Strumica. You can visit Smolare, Koleshino or Gabrovo waterfalls, Monasteries in Velyusa, Vodocha, Hamzali etc., churches St Ilija near Tzar's Tower, St Konastantin and Elena in Mokrino, Church of the 15 Martyrs of Tiberiopolis, ruins of the fortress Czar’s Towers (Carevi Kuli), ruins of a Turkish Bath close to the Tomb of Struma (in the fields just north of Banica village), Monospitovo Swamp (Monospitovsko Blato), … Just choose and enjoy..

Strumica Carnival

About this cache: This cache is hidden in a small Strumica park, where mostly elder citizens sit. Near there is a main pedestrian street which will lead you (after some 200 meters) on the main square. Here is the center of the city.

How to get there: From Skopje: drive toward Veles - Shtip - Strumica.

The cache is a small plastic container.

Please, be very careful when getting out, logging and putting back the cache, in order to protect it of Muggles! In case of lost of the cache the owner can visit the location and restore it only 2-3 per year! Thanks.

Sources: Internet. Photos: Internet, Original (by Galejnik)