By Okon Ekpenyong

This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Macedonia as an independent and sovereign nation. To continue to commemorate this occasion, the Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary hosted its 13th Annual Macedonian Ethnic Festival between September 8 and 10, 2023 on 400 South Waggoner Road in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

The three-day festival is always full of music, dance, and culture, and there’s always something for everyone. Part of the festival always includes a tour of the beautiful cathedral showing the rich, hand-painted frescoes and intricate stained glass. It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the history and culture of the Republic of Macedonia.

Before this year, the event was held during the four-day Labor Day weekend. However, this year, the organizers chose to have the event after Labor Day, which was still a huge success.

The celebration started on Friday, September 8th, from 4:00 p.m. to midnight and then on Saturday, September 9th, from noon to midnight. At the festival, there were cultural dances, keynote speakers, and much more, which concluded on Sunday, September 12th.

As soon as one walks into the room, says Tatiana Bozhinovski, one of the festival’s organizers, It is clear from the display of traditional Macedonian attire on the wall how important it is in the community to celebrate culture and tradition. The exhibit serves as a reminder of the history and cultures that bind the individuals in the room together.

On the wall, an iconic wedding dress worn by her grandmother tells a beautiful story about what men and women wear at particular events. We were also treated to traditional Macedonian cultural dances such as the Oro, circle dances, racemics, and line dances, to name a few, that lit up the room and reminded us that music has a way of bringing people together.

Dances such as the kopanica, kolos, and lesnoto are also some of the other popular ones. The hops usually accompany traditional folk music instruments such as the gaida, tambura, and tapan. These dances are typically performed in large groups and are an essential part of Macedonian culture and heritage.

Macedonian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors. It is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, such as tavče gravče (baked beans), ajvar (smoked pepper dip), and burek (savory pie). Other popular meals include musaka (ground beef and potato casserole), gibanica (cheese and spinach pie), and sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls). Traditional desserts include baklava (pastry with nuts and syrup) and štrudla (filo pastry filled with fruit).

Macedonian diverse backgrounds make them unique, but it is their shared values and beliefs that make them stand out among others. In addition, the community reminds us that our similarities are more significant than our differences. It also helps us to embrace our differences and use them to create a stronger and more unified community.

Faith also gives Macedonians the power to unite and share their culture and heritage with other communities despite their differences. By embracing our differences, we can create a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

While attending various festivals, there’s an opportunity to bridge the gaps between cultures by connecting with others to celebrate our differences. This festival emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting other cultures and encourages us to appreciate different perspectives, which can lead to a more unified and accepting society.

This festival also celebrates the diversity of the different cultures that make up the Reynoldsburg community. For years to come, the Macedonia ethnic festival will continue to help to create a sense of unity and understanding. It is a reminder that no matter where we come from, we can unite and celebrate our shared values of love, faith, and compassion. Through this festival, we can strengthen our community and create a more unified, inclusive, and vibrant community.

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