Galičnik


Galičnik is a mountain village in North Macedonia and along with Lazaropole is one of the two biggest and oldest Mijak villages in the region. Galičnik has well-preserved traditional architecture, including an amphitheater in the village square, and is famous for its surrounding countryside and nature reserve. People from Galičnik and northwestern North Macedonia appreciate the local yellow cheese kaškaval that is produced in the region as well as the local salt brine white cheese "belo sirenje" which is a homemade speciality for this region.

Location

It is located on the slopes of the Bistra Mountain, some 10 km from the artificial Mavrovo Lake and the Zare Lazarevski winter resort.

History

The village is located in the ethnographic region of "Mijačija", named after the Mijaks, the tribe historically inhabiting this mountainous region. This region has plentiful rich pastures for livestock grazing and this feature attracted Vlachs, shepherds, who established settlements based on cattle-breeding and shepherding. In the past, the economy of Galičnik relied on livestock, especially sheep trade; producing cheese, meat and wool products. Many families with huge flocks made fortunes and became very rich; these people are known locally as "chobans" a term for shepherds.
There was a strong tradition of pečalba, seasonal work, where many of the men would leave the village to work in larger towns and cities as skilled labourers such as masons, carpenters and painters. They would be absent from Galičnik for months or even years at a time. By seasonal work, they earned enough to support their families and sometimes made a fortune.

Events

The most important event in the village is the Galička Svadba, a traditional wedding custom held annually in summer, on the day of the village feast of the Patron Saint – Petrovden. During the wedding, local men will dance the "Teškoto" - a dance that is meant to symbolize the overcoming of difficulties in life.
Another manifestation that takes place in Galičnik each year is the Galičnik Art Colony.

Notable people from Galičnik