Galičnik Wedding Festival

The Galičnik Wedding Festival is a cherished annual event held in the picturesque village of Galičnik, near Debar. This festival is a vibrant celebration of tradition, where a fortunate couple has the opportunity to wed in the traditional "Galička" style, adhering to the rich customs of the region.

Historically, the festivities extended over five days, culminating on St. Peter's Day—the sole occasion when weddings were traditionally conducted. In recent times, however, the festival has been condensed into a two-day event, as part of "Galičko Leto" and takes place on the weekend nearest to July 12. Even with its reduced duration, it continues to be a significant cultural and tourist attraction, drawing visitors from both near and far.

A highlight of the festival is the Teškoto dance, performed by men to symbolize the enduring struggle of the Macedonian people. Each year, couples from across Macedonia vie for the chance to be the festival's chosen pair, earning the unique honor of experiencing a traditional Galička wedding. This competition is organized by the festival's hosts and offers a rare insight into the region's treasured wedding customs.