Carnivals are found in many cultures around the world, but Vevcani's carnival has its own completely unique flavour. The costumes are not bought from a shop — every family designs and makes their own, often in secret, spending months sewing, carving, painting, and constructing something spectacular. On carnival night the village fills with characters from folk tales, animals, giant puppets, and all sorts of imaginative creations.
The heart of the carnival is the procession through the village on the night of 13–14 January, which is when Orthodox Christian communities celebrate the New Year by the old Julian calendar. Music plays, lanterns are carried, and the masked figures dance through the narrow stone streets. The masks cover the face completely so nobody can tell who is underneath — part of the fun is guessing who your neighbours are.
For the children of Vevcani, the carnival is the most exciting event of the year. They take part too, dressed in their own costumes and masks. Some families have costumes and characters that they recreate every year, becoming part of the village tradition. The carnival is famous across the whole country and thousands of visitors come to Vevcani each January to see the extraordinary spectacle.