"If Ohrid is a pearl, Galichnik is the diamond of Macedonia." - Nove Frangovski
The village of Galichnik is located in the western part of the Republic of Macedonia, on the southeastern slopes of Mount Bistra, in the center of the Mijak region. It lies at an altitude of 1150 to 1450 meters. It is named after the Galik River, which flows near Thessaloniki, but there is also another legend that says it is derived from the “wild chickens” – Galicians. It is believed to have originated in the 10th and early 11th century and is one of the oldest villages in the Mijak area. Due to the altitude and position, the village has a very clean air, beautiful mountain climate with fresh, pleasant summers and quite snowy winters. It is rightly said that Galichnik is one of the most beautiful and attractive parts in Macedonia and the Balkans.
Galichnik wedding
The Galichnik wedding is the most famous event in Galichnik and has been held since 1963, every year on St. Peter’s Day. In the past, up to 40 marriages took place on that day, but today the wedding has more cultural significance.
The wedding is rich in many folk wedding customs and rituals. One of the preconditions is that at least one of the young people is of Galichnik origin. On the day of the wedding, first the drums are waited, then the mother-in-law dances, then the bride is brought to the water, the wedding flag is set, the dead are invited, then the groom is shaved, the bride is taken and the bread is kneaded, and the wedding takes place in the church „St. “Peter and Paul.” When the drums and trumpets are heard, it is customary for slender young people to hold each other by the shoulders and play the DIFFICULT – the dance of the migrant worker with a slow step.
Galichnik costume
The Galichnik costume can be bridal, feminine, maiden, childish and masculine. It is characterized by an unusual wealth of details and captivates with its beauty and splendor, and weighs about 30 kilograms.
It consists of a woolen, thin, woven skirt, a mint made of wool with sleeves that are dyed dark red as well as the hem of the chest. A long shirt is worn over the mint and embroidered sleeves are sewn over it.