Macedonia Public Holidays
Macedonia Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Macedonia? All public holidays in Macedonia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Macedonia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Macedonia and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description
New Year’s Day in Macedonia, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is one of the most widely celebrated public holidays, bringing people together for family gatherings, festive meals, and social events. Many people take the opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new year with hopes for success and happiness.
In the capital city, Skopje, celebrations include fireworks, public events, concerts, and community parties. People also attend church services for blessings and spiritual reflection. The New Year’s celebration in Macedonia is typically marked by vibrant festivities, with restaurants, bars, and clubs hosting special events for locals and tourists alike.
Duration
New Year’s Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Macedonia.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Orthodox Christmas Day (January 7)
Description
Orthodox Christmas Day, celebrated on January 7th, is a major religious holiday for the Orthodox Christian community in Macedonia. This holiday follows the Julian calendar and marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn occasion, often marked by fasting and prayers leading up to the celebration.
On Christmas Eve (January 6th), many families gather for the “badnjak” ceremony, where an oak branch is burned as part of the tradition. Christmas Day itself is marked by church services, where worshipers attend mass, sing hymns, and pray for peace and prosperity. Families gather for festive meals, and it is customary to offer traditional foods such as “sarma” (stuffed cabbage rolls), roasted meats, and “pita” (pastries).
Duration
Orthodox Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Orthodox Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
New Year (Old Calendar) (January 14)
Description
Old New Year, or the Orthodox New Year, is celebrated on January 14th, according to the Julian calendar. While not as widely observed as the Gregorian New Year, it is still an important cultural occasion for many in Macedonia, especially those who follow the Orthodox Christian faith.
Celebrations on this day are similar to those on January 1st, involving family gatherings, traditional foods, and social events. Some people also attend church services for blessings, and in some areas, there are festive activities, including traditional folk music, dances, and public celebrations. It is also a time for people to reflect on the past year and make new resolutions.
Duration
Old New Year is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Orthodox Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Easter (Variable Date, April)
Description
Easter is the most significant religious holiday in Macedonia, celebrated by the Orthodox Christian community. The date of Easter varies each year according to the ecclesiastical lunar calendar but usually falls in April. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and is the culmination of the Lenten period of fasting and penance.
The holiday is marked by a series of religious services, including the Holy Week, which culminates in the midnight mass on Easter Sunday. People attend church to celebrate the resurrection, and it is customary to break the fast with a feast that includes traditional Macedonian dishes like lamb, “pinca” (Easter bread), and colored eggs. The day is a joyous occasion, filled with family gatherings, socializing, and religious reflection.
Duration
Easter is a two-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for both days.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Macedonia, particularly Orthodox Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the days off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the holiday period, though essential services remain operational.
Labour Day (May 1)
Description
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is an international holiday dedicated to honoring workers’ contributions to society. In Macedonia, Labour Day is observed with parades, rallies, and speeches that highlight workers’ rights and advocate for improved working conditions. It is also a time for workers to gather in solidarity, reflecting on labor movements and ongoing struggles for social justice and better wages.
The day is marked by public events organized by trade unions and political groups. It is a time for workers to unite, express their demands, and celebrate progress made in labor rights. Labour Day is also an occasion for family and community gatherings, with many people spending the day outdoors or attending local festivals.
Duration
Labour Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, particularly workers and union members.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Independence Day (September 8)
Description
Independence Day in Macedonia is celebrated on September 8th, marking the day in 1991 when the country declared its independence from Yugoslavia. This is one of the most important national holidays, symbolizing the country’s sovereignty and the achievement of self-determination after years of political and social struggles.
Independence Day is celebrated with national pride, including official ceremonies, military parades, and speeches from government leaders. There are also cultural performances, concerts, and public festivals that showcase the nation’s rich history and cultural heritage. It is a day of reflection and celebration, with people gathering to honor the country’s progress since independence.
Duration
Independence Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Macedonia.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Saint Clement’s Day (November 8)
Description
Saint Clement’s Day, celebrated on November 8th, honors Saint Clement of Ohrid, a patron saint of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. Saint Clement is recognized for his missionary work and contributions to the spread of Christianity in the region. The holiday is marked by religious services, processions, and cultural events that celebrate Saint Clement’s legacy.
This day is particularly significant in Ohrid, where Saint Clement is believed to have been active in the early Christian period. People in Macedonia participate in church services, visit monasteries, and engage in local festivals that highlight the historical and cultural importance of Saint Clement.
Duration
Saint Clement’s Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Orthodox Christians, particularly those from the Ohrid region.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most significant religious holidays in Macedonia. Christmas is celebrated by the Orthodox Christian community, and it is a day for family gatherings, religious observance, and festive meals.
Christmas Eve (December 24th) is marked by fasting and a traditional meal that includes “pita” (a type of bread) and “sarma” (stuffed cabbage rolls). On Christmas Day itself, people attend church services to celebrate the birth of Christ, and families come together to enjoy a festive meal that includes lamb, pastries, and other traditional dishes. It is a day of joy, family, and reflection for Christians across Macedonia.
Duration
Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in Macedonia
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Orthodox Christmas Day | January 7 | 1 day | Orthodox Christians |
| New Year (Old Calendar) | January 14 | 1 day | Orthodox Christians |
| Easter | Variable (April) | 2 days | Orthodox Christians |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day | General Public, Workers |
| Independence Day | September 8 | 1 day | General Public |
| Saint Clement’s Day | November 8 | 1 day | Orthodox Christians |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
