New coronavirus restrictions that go into effect today include an earlier closing time for bars and restaurants and bans on gatherings in private homes over New Year. But the existing restrictions, that include bans on public gatherings, are widely ignored. Each evening town squares across Macedonia hold improvised Christmas bazaars and so far there are no bans on these open air gatherings.

The capital Skopje is even having its usual Winterland bazaar, with booths that sell drinks and trinkets. Thousands of people go through the site each evening, with no citations.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski said that he will send police officers to inspect vacation homes whose owners are suspected of holding New Year parties. Ads are popping up online from owners offering homes for group celebrations.