Galichnik Wedding

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Nearly within four decades, with small interruptions, on Petrovden (12th July), an attractive tourist manifestation called "Galichnik Wedding" is held - unique of this kind in our country and wider.

The Galichnik Wedding in its existence as an annual manifestation, contributed in keeping alive the wedding customs and rituals of the inhabitants of this region, in order to preserve the original folk songs, dances (in Macedonian Ora), and the famous Galichnik traditional costume - made with filigree tailors accuracy, i.e. to preserve Galichnik which during the 1970-ies was brought to the brink of its existence. So, this manifestation was actually the reason why, in 1974, the path through Bistra leading from Mavrovo to Galicnik was paved with asphalt. This pavement, enabled the renovation of the Galichnik houses (which are with very specific and authentic architecture), and even new ones were built. All this allowed the return of life in Galichnik, and life was present in Galichnik from “Gjurgjovden” to “Mitrovden” i.e. from Spring till Fall. Efforts are made to keep the village alive throughout the whole year.

The Galichnik Wedding is rich in original, unique and unrepeatable wedding customs and rituals. During the wedding days, the “zurla” clucks and the “tapan” echoes from Galichnik to Reka. Those companions (the “zurla” and the “tapan”) of the migrant workers (in Macedonian, pechalbarite), always announce the Galichnik Wedding.

Еven nowadays a verse from an old song remains true. The singer, on this day (Petrovden), through this verse tells the Galichnik migrant worker (in Macedonian, Pechalbar): “Wherever you are - for Petrovden be at home!” And it was, and is true: The Galichnik migrant workers spread all over the world, regret neither money nor time to be at home on this day - among their own.

Every year, many customs take place during the Galichnik Wedding: the expectation of the “tapani”, “Svekrvino oro” (the dance of the mother in law),the taking of the bride to the village fountain (Upija) for water, the hanging of the wedding flag, the invitation of the dead, the shaving of the groom, the baking of the bread, the wedding itself in the church “Ss. Petar and Pavle” and many other customs, which are dying slowly, containing and hiding many details of the life of Galichnik people in the past...