 MACEDONIA - CULTURAL WEALTH |
| Archeological remnants |
Macedonia is a treasury of cultural wealth: the works of old builders and mosaic masters, icons, frescoes, carvings, paintings, old church books and other documents, or various folk handicrafts, can be found here. A considerable part of the mobile cultural, historical and archeological treasures have been "bought", or seized, by the conquerors. Today, exhibits of Macedonian origin can be found in the world's biggest museums and libraries.
The historians very often refer to Macedonia as a magical country of archeology.
Here are the remnants of the ancient cities Stobi (Gradsko), Heraclea Lincestis (Bitola), Lihnidos (Ohrid),Skupi (Skopje). The basilica mosaic in Heraklea Liknestis is one of the most famous antique mosaics. There are numerous remnants from the Roman and early Christian age that are still being excavated.
Several churches, the most renowned among which is the St. Panteleimon's in Ohrid, bear witness of the times of the teacher St. Clement.
Cultural monuments raised between the XI-th and XIX-th centuries are characterized by rare architecture, and numerous priceless frescoes and icons the value of which is world known.
From the Turkish period, there are monuments of the Islamic culture, such as mosques, bazaars and baths, In the course of Macedonian renaissance, i.e, during the period from the XVIII-th to XIX-th centuries, new monuments and churches were built. Some of the best known icons are those in the churches Holy Salvation in Skopje and St. Jovan Bigorski's (Debar).
The most impressive monument built in the period after the liberation, is the one devoted to the Ilinden Uprising in Krusevo, but a lot of other memorials such as the ones in Prilep and Kumanovo are also compelling for their beauty and expressiveness.
Among recent autocephalous Macedonian Orthodox Church buildings is the exquisitely admirable cathedral church of St. Clement Ohridski.
| Cultural life |
In Macedonia there are 13 professional theatres. The Macedonian National Theatre comprises the Drama, Opera and Ballet Companies. Two other theatres have also had out-standing productions: the Drama Theatre, Skopje, and the National Theatre, Bitola. One must not forget the work at the Theatre of the Minorities: the Albanian and the Turkish Companies, the work of the Theatre of the Romanies - Pralipe, the work of the Youth Theatre, and also the work of the three amateur theatrical groups. | In the sphere of music, there is the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra and five other professional orchestras. In the field of popular music, the groups Leb i Sol and Anastazija stand out.
The Vardar-film Company is the only film producer. The film industry of Macedonia has long tradition; its first steps were taken at the beginning of this century. Milton Manaki from Bitola was the first film cameraman in the Balkans. In 1994 the film Before the Rain, directed by Milcho Manchevski, was awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, as well as some other internationally recognised awards.
The Kinoteka (Film Library) of Macedonia is an institution that houses a rich and valuable film and cinema material.
Folklore is professionally nurtured by Tanec, a folk song and dance ensemble. 99 other amateur groups practise folklore, too. 86 of these are Macedonian, 11 Albanian, 6 Turkish and 4 Romany. In all, they have 9,660 members, enthusiasts and lovers of the arts and culture.
Modern fine art is on show at the Museum of Modern Art, the Art Gallery, the Gallery of the Association of Fine Artists (DLUM) - all in Skopje, and in many other venues and private galleries.
 International Cultural Events |
Skopje
The International Cartoon Gallery, the Young Open Theatre, the Skopje Summer Festival, the International Jazz Festival, the International Fair of Books and Librography, the International Gathering of Drama Students, the May Opera Evenings, the International Biennial of Art Students.
Ohrid
The Ohrid summer Festival, the Festival of Balkan Folklore, and the Seminar on the Macedonia Language, Literature and Culture
Struga
The Struga Poetry Evenings - an international poetry festival, the Struga Autumn of Music
Bitola
The International Graphics Triennial, the Studio of child-Painters, the Manaki Brothers International Festival of the Film Camera, and Interfest - a Music Festival.
Prilep
Vojdan Chernodrinski Theatre Plays, the International Colony of Modern Art.
Gevgelia
The International Graphic Colony.
Strumitsa
The International Modern Art Colony.
Resen
The International Pottery Colony.
Shtip
The International Biennial Studio of Drawing.
Tetovo
The International Gathering of Literary Translators. |
