Taksirat festival celebrates diversity in music and gathers various bands and musicians from a number of musical genres. It was first held in 1998 by a group of young enthusiasts. Today, it prides itself as one of the most famous festivals in Macedonia. The festival is easily accessible from Skopje, Macedonia's dynamic capital, and travelers can stay in the city's numerous hotels and hostels.

Taksirat festival is a highly professional event that yearly attracts over 15,000 people and showcases world-famous performers. Every year, the number of music fans grows, and the hall where the festival takes place is always filled to capacity. Visitors can spend days enjoying everything the festival has to offer, with food and drink vendors strewn across the grounds, as well as a side program of workshops, theater performances, films, and discussion groups. Taskirat takes place every year at the end of November and lasts for one week, so visitors can come for one day or stay for the entire festival.

When: The end of November

Where: Skopje, Macedonia

The Strumica Carnival, which dates back to the 1670s, is one of the oldest and longest-running celebrations in Macedonia. The carnival takes place on the first days of Lent (according to the Orthodox Christian calendar). Strumica carnival lasts three days and includes a variety of activities. Visitors can take part in dance and musical performances, mask parades, and processions, all of which take place on Strumica's main streets, with the latter being the carnival's spotlight.

A masquerade ball marks the start of the Strumica carnival, during which a prince and princess are chosen. The main international carnival continues the following night, with awards for the best and most unique masks. Local people believe that in the eyes of one of the largest Orthodox Christian holidays, putting off the masks symbolizes venturing out of one's comfort zone and begging for forgiveness. The motif of the bride and the groom is expected by everyone. The newlyweds are blessed by the priest for happiness and unity while the devil is chased by everyone and represents the purging of bad thoughts.

When: March

Where: Strumica, Macedonia

The idyllic village of Galicnik is hidden between Macedonia’s highest mountains and is famous for its photogenic beauty. However, its nature is not only the main feature attracting tourists to Galicnik. The small village is also famous for preserving Galicnik Wedding that’s several centuries old. This celebration, which takes place once a year in July over two days, combines tradition, local customs, and legacy.

The event began when Galinik had only 5,000 residents in the early 20th century, with its isolated position and lack of industry causing many of its younger citizens to migrate to larger towns in search of work. As a result, it was decided that those who had left the village would return every year on the Saturday closest to St. Peter's Day. Many engaged couples prefer to marry on this day so that they can spend their wedding day with family and friends before moving into their new residences.

Locals today celebrate Galicnik Wedding by marrying one couple in the traditional method, dressing up in traditional costume, and performing a number of ceremonies that include playing instruments, singing, and dancing the Montenegrin Tekoto, a must-see show performed by a group of local men.

When: July 12th

Where: Galicnik, Macedonia

The Balkan Folklore Festival in Ohrid offers a fantastic opportunity to observe a diverse range of Macedonian and Balkan folklore. This worldwide folklore festival is one of the most intriguing and famous festivals in Macedonia, commemorating the country's rich cultural and social history in four of its most beautiful beach villages.

More than 40,000 folk singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and artists from Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, Greece, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, and Hungary perform at this festival every year, showcasing their regional traditions that date back hundreds of years. The festival began in 1962 and is held every year in the first half of July. The Balkan Folklore Festival, which is full of color and activity, is an event for children and families to visit and learn about the country's past in a lively and exciting way, while others marvel at the traditional costumes and instruments on show.

When: June or July

Where: Ohrid, Macedonia

Since its establishment in 1982, the Skopje Jazz Festival has grown to become one of Macedonia's most important music festivals, attracting thousands of international tourists and featuring performances by jazz artists of all styles, from Bebop to Bossa Nova.

The festival is operated by a non-profit organization and its only purpose is to showcase some of the world's best jazz, from daring contemporary performers pushing the genre's boundaries to world-renowned musicians like five-time Grammy nominee Eliane Elias. The Skopje Jazz Festival, which takes place in Skopje, is a great location to dance, drink, and socialize with other jazz fans who come from all around to see world-class musicians perform in this vibrant city. Therefore, if you’re a fan of jazz and want to meet some of the world’s best jazz artists, you should definitely go to Skopje in October and enjoy this festival.

When: October

Where: Skopje, Macedonia

Ohrid Summer Festival deserves a spot on the list of the most famous festivals in Macedonia. This event is one of Macedonia's most popular and well-attended festivals, attracting thousands of guests from all over the world. The event, which is full of music, theater, and dance, takes place in the gorgeous city of Ohrid, which has a history reaching back to the 4th century BC when the ancient Greek Dassaretae tribe lived on Lake Ohrid.

Ohrid promises to offer you a real cultural feast in which visitors can watch shows in unique venues such as the town's ancient outdoor theater or the 9th century Church of Sofia. For the fans of the arts, you can find some familiar names at Ohrid Summer Festival, such as the Belgian violinist Vadim Repin, and the Russian opera star Elena Vasiliyevna Obraztsova. Ohrid Summer Festival has been a member of the European Festival Association since 1994. The Macedonians are very proud of this festival because it offers significant cultural benefits to both the country and its guests.

When: Between 12 July and 20 August

Where: Ohrid, Macedonia

When May begins in Skopje, the first thing people mention is May Opera Evenings. This classical music and opera festival, which began in 1972, takes place every year in May. On the 9th of May, 1972, the Macedonian People's Theatre orchestra performed one of the oldest Macedonian operas, "Tsar Samuil," as part of the inaugural event.

The May Opera Evenings have attracted more people and performers from around the world throughout the years. Thousands of visitors and performers from all over the world join in this event over the years, with over 1,200 performers from 21 nations and 280 performances. Therefore, if you want to enjoy beautiful music and the polished opera sound in the happiest month in Skopje, you should let the music in this festival transport you to new and beautiful locations. The majority of shows are sold out months ahead of time, so it’s advised to book in advance to not miss this festival.

When: May

Where: Skopje

The Manaki Brothers Film Festival boasts itself as one of the oldest film festivals in the world, honoring cinematographers from all around the world. First held in 1979, the event was inspired by Yanaki and Milton Manaki, the Macedonian brothers who pioneered 20th-century filmmaking in the Balkans with their documentaries and photographic art, some of which were made as early as 1904.

The festival is a celebration of all things film and strives to exhibit the creative works of cinematographers both young and old, local and international, by premiering films from a variety of genres, from short films to animation. The Manaki Brothers Film Festival assures that all the films have been carefully selected, with the festival's team of organizers maintaining a commitment to presenting the year's most unique, thematic, and significant works. Every year, the film festival draws hundreds of well-known filmmakers and actors. The Camera 300 is the festival's top honor, given to the best motion movies of the year chosen by the festival's film committee.

When: September

Where: Bitola, Macedonia

Although the Strumica Open Festival is not as old as other festivals in Macedonia, it is still an exciting and awaiting event that you should not miss. The festival is only 10 years old, but its atmosphere is vibrant and unforgettable.

The Strumica Open festival is a music event unlike any other, with a philosophy that aims to merge culture, art, and education. Music fans are well catered for here, with four separate stages displaying a range of musicians and musical styles, from folk and pop-rock to progressive house so they can find any artist suiting their tastes over the 10-day festival. With events ranging from sold-out concerts to guitar lessons to epic dance fights, the attendees will never be bored, and they won't have to stay up all night to enjoy the energetic and vivacious atmosphere. Besides, tourists can enjoy Strumica’s rich history by visiting its interesting museums, restaurants, and bars.

When: August

Where: Strumica

Macedonian Independence Day taking place on the 8th of September is a public holiday honoring the country's independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 when it officially became a parliamentary democracy. To celebrate Independence Day, Macedonians take to the streets in a patriotic spectacular that includes free music concerts, themed dance performances, plays, and a multitude of processions on this glorious day. In addition, sports picnics are organized by the Macedonian Olympic Committee, and the International Motorcycle Rally "Macedonia 2008" is held in Skopje by the Motorcycle Federation of North Macedonia.

On Independence Day, modest celebrations and parades can be seen in every Macedonian town and city, but the main event takes place in Skopje's historic Pella Square, where thousands assemble to watch military marches, and air exhibitions, and a spectacular fireworks display. Visitors can see a water show in the square's fountain and soak up the electric mood as tourists and locals alike commemorate the country's glorious heritage.

When: September 8th

Where: All across the country