VEVCHANI

 

The village of Vevchani is found in the southwestern range at the foot of the Jablanica mountain range. It is situated from 800 - 950 metres above sea level. The village is located 14 km North-West of the town of Struga. The village is situated near the villages of Oktisi. The famous Vevchani springs are some of the most famous springs to be found in the Republic of Macedonia. The springs are located on the eastern slope of the Jablanica mountain range which run through the village of Vevchani at an approximately sea level altitude at over 900 metres. One of the most famous village festivals held in the Balkans is the Vevchani Carnival. It is believed that the custom is over 1,400 years old. It is based on old Pagan beliefs and rituals. Essentially the Carnival is the ritual of calling after Saint Basil the Great, which coincides with the Twelve Days of Orthodox Christmas and the Orthodox New Year. The Carinval witnesses the passing of the old year and the coming of the new one.