Mirce Acev, Youth Dance Group
Music is the language that spans across all cultures, but shares different meanings. In Macedonian Culture, music is what ties many together. Songs can be written in a variety of emotions, and be played at different events. At St. Dimitria Macedonian Orthodox Church, our youth dance group, Mirce Acev, plays a very active role in continuing the tradition of music within our culture. As the years went by, the dance teacher may have changed, but one thing stays strong, the love of culture, the love of music, the love of family, but most importantly, the love of our homeland, Macedonia. If you would like your children to be part of Mirce Acev, please contact our dance teacher Mary at (585) 690-8558.
Kolede, Christmas Bonfire
Orthodox Culture celebrates Christmas following the Julian Calendar, setting holidays like Christmas on January 7th. Every year, members of our congregation gather for the annual Kolede bonfire on our Church Grounds. On this night, we light a bonfire and celebrate the Christmas season with traditional food and music.
Pare, Lucky Coin Celebration
In Macedonian Culture, traditions include many different celebrations. This specific one includes the “Pare”. This tradition usually takes place around New Years and celebrates who will be the “Lucky One” in the family for that given year. In this tradition, a lucky coin is placed inside of a traditional dish, most likely being Zelnik (or Maznik). Members of a family will select their piece and look for this lucky coin. If you find the coin, then you are the “Lucky One” for the year.
“We dance in circles because our culture never ends.”