While most of the world clinks champagne glasses and exchanges heart-shaped chocolates on February 14, North Macedonia raises a toast to something else—wine. Here, this day belongs to St. Trifun, the patron saint of vineyards and winemakers, making it a celebration of love, but in a uniquely Macedonian way.
Source: Wikipedia
Instead of fancy dinners and red roses, February 14 marks the beginning of the pruning season, a centuries-old tradition believed to ensure a rich grape harvest. Vineyard owners, farmers, and wine lovers alike gather to trim the first vines, often sprinkling them with wine as a blessing for a fruitful year. It’s a day filled with folk music, delicious food, and, of course, plenty of local wine.
Though Valentine’s Day has gained popularity in recent years, for many Macedonians, love and wine go hand in hand—after all, what’s romance without a good glass of Vranec? So, while the world celebrates love with flowers, North Macedonia does it with a toast and a vineyard full of possibilities.
Denica, OLS Community Manager - Macedonian