The annual Badnik celebration unfolded in front of Skopje’s St. Clement of Ohrid Cathedral Church earlier on Saturday, featuring Bozhidar Jankovski, the owner of Diners, as this year’s Badnik godfather and actor Atanas Tanovski as the one delivering a toast.

Jankovski, in his address, extended warm wishes to the gathering and advocated for kindness and embracing diversity in his message. “As Badnik godfather, I implore you to embrace kindness not just today or on Christmas Eve but every single day of the year. Let’s listen, see, understand, respect, and assist each other,” he urged.

He emphasized that Skopje is home not just to those born within its borders but also to all who choose to reside here, highlighting the richness that diversity brings to the city. “Skopje thrives on its diversity, making it a true metropolis. Let’s uphold this essence indefinitely,” Jankovski affirmed.

Encouraging Skopje’s natives to welcome the kindness and positive attributes of newcomers while showcasing their own virtues, Tanovski, in his Badnik toast, wished for everyone’s well-being, happiness, illumination, spiritual warmth, and goodwill.

Skopje Mayor Danela Arsovska envisioned a year filled with health, harmony, peace, happiness, and joy, emphasizing the importance of exhibiting to neighbors the virtues one wishes to receive. “Let’s embody the solidarity we seek from others,” she emphasized.

Mayor Goran Gerasimovski of Centar Municipality extended heartfelt wishes to Orthodox Christian believers, hoping for health, happiness, friendship, harmony, cooperation, and mutual understanding.