SHROVETIDE HELD IN GORNJE MEDJUROVO – “KARAVESTICE” 2011
6.3.2011
For holiday “Shrovetide”, which represents beginning of Christian lent before Easter, Equestrian club “Nonius” with support of City Municipality of Palilula organized in Gornje Medjurovo, third time manifestation “Karavestice”, with the aim of returning the folk tradition and original creative work. Hosts this years “Shrovetide” were Toni and Jasna Ilieski. That the old Serbian traditions still attract great attention showed large presence and gathering of residents of Medjurovo but and surrounding villages and numerous guests from city Nis. For good mood of the present people took care Ivana and Riki Nedovic, actors of Nis` National Theatre. Traditions and customs that is cherished in these parts near river Nisava and Morava revived the original group Kovilje, which is with its program for this holiday delighted everyone, and most ritualistic stage program and specific speech this region.

Shrovetide is folk holiday widespread in Europe and America. Its roots is pagan related to the celebration of the cult of the Sun and arrival of spring. Today Shrovetide is mainly related for beginning of Christian lent before Easter. Shrovetide is considered as the time of the unrestrained enjoyment of food, drink and masquerade celebrations, known as Carnival. The Serbs Shrovetide celebrates before the Christmas fast, as and before Easter fast (white Shrovetide). Celebration Shrovetide is especially significant and for traditions of Catholic nations but fame and among the Orthodox people especially in Greece and Russia.

Shrovetide is the day for forgiveness and happiness. Thought that in the period of lent should go without sin. In households traditionally is preparing reach fat feast, especially white fat according to which the holiday got its name. People`s  beliefs are associated period of Shrovetide with increased threat from evil forces and witches, of witch people are protected in symbolic ways, for example with garlic or fire ritual burning (“olalija”). In Homolj, the Vlach population, there was a tradition of jumping the fire and playing around them. On the Kosovo some of the Shrovetide` procession symbolized wedding of Kraljevic Marko. Revival of the unusual customs – skip the witch, in Gornje Medjurovo of Palilula Municipality, the most made kids happy, who traditionally came with masks. The most beautiful masks and the most beautiful witches received awards. Boban Mikic, member of the Council of City Municipality of Palilula on this occasion said: “Always is nice to be with children, and this manifestation has just committed to them. It aims promotions of original creativity, customs, tradition and culture. It also complements cultural and tourism offer of Palilula Municipality. Therefore Palilula Municipality supported family Ilieski and members of Equestrian club “Nonius” in achievement of this program. Particularly it is pleasure that on this manifestation is announced cooperation of Municipality with another kind of brand of Palilula – original group “Kovilje” from Vukmanovo. Host of manifestation of “Shrovetide”, Jasna and Toni Ilieski didn’t hide pleasure because every year is more and more visited and exceeds local frames. This kind of manifestations, by rating of organizers, can be the beginning of rural tourism in Palilula Municipality.