Wishing Merry Christmas in Macedonian

In Macedonia, Christmas is observed on January 7th according to the Julian calendar.

Коледе: The Festive Season Begins on January 5th!

The celebration of Christmas in Macedonia begins with the коледарски оган (koledarski ogan), a bonfire lit in the evening on January 5th. This event is a communal gathering where people come together outside, sharing food, drinks, and music. It’s a time to reconnect with friends, family, and neighbors, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere that heralds the start of the Christmas season.

Бадник: January 6th – Christmas Eve

On January 6th, Macedonian children start their day early by going door to door in their neighborhoods. This tradition is known as Коледе (Kolede), and children – Коледари (the “Koledari”) sing „Коледе леде“ (Kolede lede), and other traditional Christmas songs, as they go from door to door. In return, people open their doors to give them gifts such as fruits, sweets, chocolates, and coins.

In the evening, the celebration continues with Бадник (Badnik), Christmas Eve. It is a time when families gather at home for a festive meal, and everything is посно (posno) (fasting food). During this meal, traditional dishes like fish, pies, тавче гравче (tavche gravche) – a baked beans dish, сарма (sarma) – stuffed cabbage rolls, potato salad, pumpkin and fruits are served.

These dishes are prepared without meat or animal products, adhering to Orthodox fasting traditions. The centerpiece of the meal is бадниково лепче (badnikovo lepche) also known as бадникова погача (badnikova pogacha), a special Christmas bread that contains a coin inside. As the bread is divided, each family member takes a piece, and the person who finds the coin is believed to have good luck and prosperity throughout the year.

Божиќ: January 7th – Christmas Day

On January 7th, Macedonians celebrate Christmas Day at home with an even grander feast, now including meat dishes and a variety of drinks. The day is spent in the company of family and close friends, sharing love, laughter, and memorable moments around the dining table. The saying goes, Кај и да си, за Бадник и Божиќ, дома да си! (Wherever you are, for Christmas Eve and Christmas, may you be at home!).