Ratveski Bamburci: A Tradition Told Every Twentieth Day of January

If you start traveling through Macedonia on the first day of January, following all the traditional events in the villages and cities, believe me, you'll need to travel for the entire month to get to know all the traditions and customs celebrated by the local residents.

Today, together with our local adventurer Sara Pavlovska, who took these beautiful photos, we will take you on a walk to the village of Ratevo in the Maleshevo region. In this village, every 20th of January, the "Ratevo Bambiri" tradition is celebrated, where locals mask themselves and parade through the village wearing masks made from animal skins.

Like all other January events, the "Ratevo Bambiri" also has its own symbolism. It is believed that this tradition was practiced by the first inhabitants of Ratevo, and the locals consider the name "bamburci" to be a variation of "babares." However, older residents believe that the original name for the masked processions was "rusaliye."

This event has pagan elements, but it is traditionally held every year on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist. The masked people take to the streets and parade through the village, believing that in this way, they will drive away evil from the village.

What is unique about the event is the way the masks are prepared. The preparation takes place in specially designated spaces and by specific groups, but also on days that Orthodox Christians consider to be "unclean days," that is, from Christmas to Epiphany.

Each participant prepares a costume made of animal skin, most often from sheep or goats. In addition to sewing the skin, participants add horns, bells, and clappers to their costumes.

The skins are treated with salt and later dried. The entire preparation process can take up to two weeks, and some costumes can weigh as much as 70 kilograms. Anyone present at the event gets their face painted with "sazdži" (a traditional dye) if the bamboorci notice that a guest is not wearing a mask. They come and paint the person's face with black dye.