Travel Guide Vevčani

At 900 meters above sea level, this village on Mount Jablanica is famous for its self-proclaimed status as an independent republic, its springs, beautiful scenery, hiking trails, 19th-century stone houses and a carnival organized since the5th century. The latter, called Vasiličari, in honor of Saint Basil, takes place on January 13 and 14, seven days after Orthodox Christmas. Inhabitants dress up as monsters to scare away evil spirits. The two-day festival attracts thousands of visitors every year. As for the "Republic of Vevčani", it was born in 1991, to protest against the decision to divert the waters of the local river, the Vevčanska, to the tourist area of Elen Kamen, in Kališta. The project was abandoned. But the dummy micronation continues to exist. Vevčani has its own flag (a flower in a yellow circle on a red background). On site, tourists can apply for a passport and pay in local currency, the ličnik, in certain shops.