{{The tiny Macedonian town of Vevcani boasts its own constitution, its own currency and a passport emblazoned with a golden coat of arms.}}<\/p>\n
They are a tongue-in-cheek expression of the village’s historical defiance of authority — and were born of a symbolic declaration of independence. <\/p>\n
But beneath the mockery lies a real rebellious streak that has coursed through Vevcani for decades and spawned violent protests, diplomatic incidents and run-ins with the law.<\/p>\n
That spirit of rebellion reaches a climax every year during the village’s annual carnival in January, where villagers don costumes that poke fun at the world around them. <\/p>\n
The sharp satire leaves nothing untouched, targeting the national leadership, politics, religion and social issues. Most recently it has taken aim at Macedonia’s crisis-stricken southern neighbor, Greece.<\/p>\n
With its colorful floats and masked revelers, the festival — said to be 14 centuries old and date from pagan times — has grown in popularity over the last decade. <\/p>\n
It attracts thousands of visitors to St. Vasilij Day celebrations on Jan. 13, welcoming in the New Year according to the Julian calendar.<\/p>\n
Agencies<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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