GALICHNIK WEDDING 2025: PRESERVING TRADITION THROUGH NEW GENERATIONS AND LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS

From July 11 to 13, the picturesque village of Galichnik will once again come alive with the sounds of zurlas, drums, and tradition, hosting the Galichnik Wedding, one of the most authentic and iconic cultural events in the country. This unique manifestation is a living testimony to Macedonian heritage, customs, and culture, and continues to attract both local and international visitors eager to experience the magic of a traditional Miyak-style wedding. Once again, Pivara Skopje, along with SKOPSKO, is the main sponsor of the Galichnik Wedding, proudly continuing a partnership that dates back to the event’s inception and has lasted for over half a century.

This year’s bride and groom, Jovan Filiposki, a descendant of the long-established Filiposki family of Galichnik and Liljana Mihajloska, say that taking part in this manifestation is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of being part of the Galichnik Wedding one day. It’s so much more than a set of wedding customs, it’s love, identity, and a deep sense of pride,” says Jovan.
“The moment you put on the traditional attire and walk along the same paths as generations before you, the feeling is indescribable. For us, this is a legacy and a great honor,” adds Liljana.

Over the course of three days, guests will witness the full wedding ceremony, featuring authentic customs, traditional costumes, music, and dance, all of which make the Galichnik Wedding truly one-of-a-kind in the Balkans and beyond.

The event is organized by the local community council of Galichnik. Congratulating this year’s wedding couple, the council’s president Ognen Karagjozovski, stated:
“We remain committed to preserving this rare tradition. We are especially encouraged by the growing interest of younger generations who wish to be part of the Galichnik Wedding. To us, this is the clearest sign that our customs and cultural heritage are the foundation of our identity, past, present, and future. We are deeply grateful to the institutions and numerous companies whose support is vital to maintaining the event’s quality and appeal.”

Pivara Skopje’s support for the event has remained uninterrupted since its inception.

“We are honored to once again be part of the Galichnik Wedding, a true symbol of love, unity, and authentic tradition and culture. For over 50 years, we’ve shared this story with generations of newlyweds, their families, and the many guests who attend the event united by the same values: respect for heritage, mutual support, and the creation of meaningful experiences. We wish Jovan and Liljana health, happiness, and prosperity – may their love last as long as our partnership with the Galichnik Wedding,” said Marija Mininchikj, Community Partnership Manager at Pivara Skopje.

This year, the event is held under the patronage of President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, with additional support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, affirming the Galichnik Wedding’s status as a national cultural treasure worthy of institutional support and international recognition.

During the event, the organizers announced a special traffic regime in the village and once again emphasized the importance of responsible behavior, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and environmental care.

Galichnik Wedding 2025: A Spectacle of Tradition

This year’s Galichnik Wedding will take place over three days, offering a rich program that brings the centuries-old traditions of the Miyak region to life.

The festivities will begin on Friday, July 11, with the premiere of a monodrama performed in the Miyak dialect, honoring the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Trilingual Dictionary by Gjorgjija Pulevski. The evening will continue with a DJ set, offering entertainment for the younger crowd.

On Saturday, July 12, the traditional wedding rituals will commence, including the arrival of the drummers, the decorating of the wedding flag, the ceremonial gunfire from the groom’s home, and the performance of the mother-in-law’s dance. A particularly striking moment will be the performance of the symbolic Miyak dances “The Bride’s Dance” and “Teshkoto” – representing the region’s spirit of migration and resilience, performed by the national folklore ensemble “Tanec” in front of the iconic Upija spring.
In the evening, the bride, accompanied by wedding guests carrying torches and borini (folk music instruments), will draw water from Galichnik’s three legendary springs – Sekuliche, Dingoviche, and Upija – a ritual believed to ensure family happiness.

On Sunday, July 13, the day will begin with the traditional rituals of “inviting the deceased,” “inviting the godfather,” “shaving the groom,” and “setting off for the bride” – including the famed custom of “looking through the wedding ring.” These will be followed by the bride’s farewell, the giving of wedding gifts, and the official wedding ceremony at the church of Saint Apostles Peter and Paul.
The event will conclude with the formal farewell to the drummers and zurladjii (zurna players), symbolically marking the end of the wedding celebration.

The entire program, featuring all the traditional wedding customs, will be broadcast on a large video screen set up at the village square, and will also be streamed live on social media, allowing those who cannot attend in person to still experience the magic of the Galichnik Wedding.

Skopje, July 4, 2025

For more information, please contact:
Local Community Council “Galichnik” – mzgalichnik@gmail.com
Ognen Karagjozovski – +389 78 428 338