Origin & history
The holiday commemorates Saints Cyril (Constantine) and Methodius, two Byzantine brothers born in Thessaloniki in the 9th century. They were sent to Great Moravia in 863 to spread Christianity among the Slavic peoples. To translate the Bible and liturgical texts, Cyril devised the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet for the Slavic language, which later evolved into the Cyrillic script. Their mission laid the foundation for Slavic literacy and Christian culture. In North Macedonia, the legacy of Cyril and Methodius is particularly revered because their work had a profound impact on the development of the Old Church Slavonic language and the cultural identity of the Macedonian people. The holiday was officially established as a national day in North Macedonia after independence, replacing the former Yugoslav celebration.
Customs & traditions
Saints Cyril and Methodius Day is celebrated with various cultural and educational events across North Macedonia. Schools, universities, and cultural institutions organize ceremonies, concerts, and literary readings that highlight the contributions of the saints to Slavic literacy and culture. Many towns hold processions and public gatherings, often featuring folk music and dance performances. Traditional foods like banitsa (a savory pastry) and roasted meats are commonly enjoyed during family gatherings. In the capital, Skopje, the day is marked with official state ceremonies, including the laying of wreaths at monuments dedicated to the saints. The holiday is also a popular occasion for book fairs and exhibitions of Slavic manuscripts.
Why it is celebrated
Saints Cyril and Methodius Day is a celebration of Slavic literacy, culture, and Christian heritage. For North Macedonians, it symbolizes the foundation of their national identity and language, as the Cyrillic alphabet is a key element of Macedonian culture. The day also underscores the historical role of the saints in unifying Slavic peoples through a common written language and religious tradition, fostering a sense of pride and continuity with the past.