Orthodox Christians in the country observe Christmas Eve (Badnik) on Saturday, preceding the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. Traditional ceremonies will occur at the Cathedral church “St. Clement of Ohrid” in Skopje, accompanied by children’s Badnik processions ahead of Christmas.

Bozhidar Jankovski, CEO at Diners Club Macedonia, serves as this year’s Badnik godfather, while actor Atanas Tanovski delivers the toast.

On Badnik evening, families gather for the Badnik dinner, where the highlight is cutting the Christmas bread into pieces—one for each family member and one for Jesus Christ. Hidden within the bread is a coin, believed to bring luck to whoever finds it in their slice, ensuring good fortune for the entire year. The lucky individual discovers the coin in their piece and then drinks from a glass of wine containing the coin.

Homes are adorned with oak branches symbolizing the family’s desire for longevity and well-being.