April
Traditional Songs and Dances
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
Where
Ohrid
A Stage Shaped by History
Festival activities in Ohrid unfold along the shores of Lake Ohrid β one of Europe's oldest and most remarkable lakes. Performers stand where civilizations once gathered: at the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, beneath Tsar Samuil's Fortress (Kale), overlooking the iconic St. John at Kaneo, and within the spiritual complex of St. Naum Monastery.
Beyond the performances, participants explore cobblestone streets, Byzantine churches, panoramic viewpoints, boat rides on the lake, traditional cuisine, artisan markets, and unforgettable summer sunsets that transform every evening into a celebration.
Struga
Where Culture Flows with Nature
In Struga, the festival continues along the beautiful Black Drim River, flowing directly from Lake Ohrid through the heart of the city. Open-air stages, riverside promenades, and lively summer evenings create a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere.
Participants also discover the natural beauty of the VevΔani Springs, lakeside beaches, charming streets, traditional restaurants, mountain landscapes, and the relaxed rhythm that makes Struga a perfect cultural and scenic complement to Ohrid.
Who we are
We are the organization behind the "Zdravko Banar Festivals" brand β a multidisciplinary team of professionals in communication, event management, IT, logistics, production, marketing, and cultural coordination.
For over two decades, our team has continuously grown and evolved, successfully hosting thousands of ensembles and tens of thousands of performers from countries across Europe and beyond. Many of them return year after year, a testament to the quality of our organization, our professionalism, and the long-term partnerships we build.
We are committed to delivering seamless international cultural events where tradition, precision, and hospitality meet.
Who we are
We are the organization behind the "Zdravko Banar Festivals" brand β a multidisciplinary team of professionals in communication, event management, IT, logistics, production, marketing, and cultural coordination.
For over two decades, our team has continuously grown and evolved, successfully hosting thousands of ensembles and tens of thousands of performers from countries across Europe and beyond. Many of them return year after year, a testament to the quality of our organization, our professionalism, and the long-term partnerships we build.
We are committed to delivering seamless international cultural events where tradition, precision, and hospitality meet.
Director of the festival
Zdravko Banar
Zdravko Jakimoski Banar is a respected folklorist, choreographer, and vocal soloist with a career spanning over four decades. He began his journey in 1974 as a member of the renowned ensemble "KoΔo Racin" in Skopje, where he performed for twenty years before returning to Ohrid to continue developing folklore in the region.
Over the years, he founded and led several ensembles, including "Oro," "Niko Nestor," "MisleΕ‘evo," "Debarski Biser," "Makedonka," and "Ohrid-2010." He has performed in more than 3,000 concerts worldwide and remains actively involved as a choreographer and performer.
For over twenty-five years, he has been the founder, organizer, and director of the International Folk Festivals "Zdravko Banar" in Ohrid and Struga, welcoming ensembles from across Europe and beyond. His long-standing dedication to folklore has earned him numerous awards and recognitions.
Zdravko Banar
Zdravko Jakimoski Banar is a respected folklorist, choreographer, and vocal soloist with a career spanning over four decades. He began his journey in 1974 as a member of the renowned ensemble "KoΔo Racin" in Skopje, where he performed for twenty years before returning to Ohrid to continue developing folklore in the region.
Over the years, he founded and led several ensembles, including "Oro," "Niko Nestor," "MisleΕ‘evo," "Debarski Biser," "Makedonka," and "Ohrid-2010." He has performed in more than 3,000 concerts worldwide and remains actively involved as a choreographer and performer.
For over twenty-five years, he has been the founder, organizer, and director of the International Folk Festivals "Zdravko Banar" in Ohrid and Struga, welcoming ensembles from across Europe and beyond. His long-standing dedication to folklore has earned him numerous awards and recognitions.
Ohrid Festivals
Featured Festivals
May
St. Clement and Naum of Ohrid
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
June
Lake Postcard
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
July
Ohrid Folklore Days
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
August
Zdravko Banar
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
September
Atanas Kolaroski
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
October
Folklore Fall
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
November
November in Ohrid
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
April
Traditional Songs and Dances
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
May
St. Clement and Naum of Ohrid
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
June
Lake Postcard
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
July
Ohrid Folklore Days
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
August
Zdravko Banar
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
September
Atanas Kolaroski
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
October
Folklore Fall
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia
November
November in Ohrid
Ohrid & Struga, Macedonia