On Orthodox Christmas Eve, known as Badnik, Orthodox Christians in the country celebrate the day preceding the grand holiday of the Birth of Jesus Christ.

The St. Clement of Ohrid Cathedral Church in Skopje hosts the traditional Badnik celebration. Bozhidar Jankovski, owner of Diners, is this year’s Badnik godfather, while actor Atanas Tanovski will deliver the Badnik toast in front of the church. Following the priests’ consecration of the wafer, tea, and oak tree branches collected by the godfather and toast-giver from Vodno’s slopes, these blessed items will be distributed to the congregation.

Observing traditions, Orthodox believers adorn their homes with oak tree branches on Christmas Eve, symbolizing happiness, love, and illumination. Families gather for a Lenten supper around the dinner table. The centerpiece of this meal is the breaking of bread containing a hidden coin.

The bread is shared among family members, the household, and as an offering to Christ. Finding the coin on Badnik is believed to bring great luck throughout the coming year to the fortunate discoverer.