---
type: event
slug: in-memory-of-the-kochani-victims
lang: en
source_folder: projects
title: In Memory of the Victims of the Kochani Tragedy
subtitle: On March 21, 2025, more than 600 people gathered at Kongresni trg in Ljubljana for a peaceful public gathering to honor the victims of the tragic fire in Kochani.
date: '2025-03-21'
date_line: Published on March 21, 2025
hero:
  src: /images/kochani-1.webp
  alt: Candles and flowers at Kongresni trg in memory of the Kochani victims
  width: '720'
  height: '480'
body_format: html
---
<div class="article-body">
<p>On March 16, 2025, a fire broke out in the Pulse nightclub in Kochani, North Macedonia, taking the lives of 60 people and leaving deep scars across the country. For Macedonian students abroad, the news was devastating. Though far from home, the feeling of loss was shared, and the need to stand together was undeniable.</p>
<p>The MSOS community decided to create a moment of solidarity in Slovenia, not as an act of protest or politics, but as a way to express humanity, grief, and unity in the face of tragedy.</p>
<figure class="article-inline-image">
<img alt="Candlelight and flowers at the memorial gathering in Ljubljana" decoding="async" height="480" loading="lazy" src="../../../images/kochani-2.webp" width="720"/>
</figure>
<h2 id="section-1">The gathering in Ljubljana</h2>
<p>On March 21, the square in Ljubljana was filled with silence and candlelight. What began as an expectation of around 200 attendees grew into a gathering of more than 600 people of all ages. The program opened with a short address by the MSOS president, followed by a 16-minute silence to honor the victims, one minute for each March day leading up to the tragedy.</p>
<p>Students, families, and members of the wider community laid flowers and lit candles, creating a sea of light and color that remained untouched for weeks after, as no one dared to disturb the memorial. The atmosphere was solemn, respectful, and deeply emotional.</p>
<figure class="article-inline-image">
<img alt="A sea of candles and flowers left by attendees" decoding="async" height="480" loading="lazy" src="../../../images/kochani-3.webp" width="720"/>
</figure>
<h2 id="section-2">A message beyond borders</h2>
<p>This gathering was a reminder that even away from home, students carry their roots, their compassion, and their voice for justice. It was not a promotional act but a human one, a sign that the new generation wants to build a future where solidarity and care define who we are.</p>
<p>The event also received coverage in Slovenia, with the MSOS president giving a short interview for RTV Slovenia, reflecting on the importance of standing united in difficult times.</p>
<figure class="article-inline-image">
<img alt="Attendees standing together during the moment of silence" decoding="async" height="480" loading="lazy" src="../../../images/kochani-4.webp" width="720"/>
</figure>
<h2 id="section-3">Closing words</h2>
<p>The tragedy in Kochani showed us how fragile life is, but also how strong we can be when we come together. In Ljubljana, the student community stood side by side, sending love and respect back home.</p>
<p>May the victims rest in peace.</p>
</div>
<section class="event-gallery">
<h2 class="event-gallery-title">Photos from the event</h2>
<div class="event-gallery-grid js-lightbox">
<button class="eg-thumb" data-caption="In Memory of the Kochani Victims" data-full="../../../images/kochani-1.webp" type="button"><img alt="In Memory of the Kochani Victims, photo 1" decoding="async" height="480" loading="lazy" src="../../../images/kochani-1.webp" width="720"/></button>
<button class="eg-thumb" data-caption="In Memory of the Kochani Victims" data-full="../../../images/kochani-2.webp" type="button"><img alt="In Memory of the Kochani Victims, photo 2" decoding="async" height="480" loading="lazy" src="../../../images/kochani-2.webp" width="720"/></button>
<button class="eg-thumb" data-caption="In Memory of the Kochani Victims" data-full="../../../images/kochani-3.webp" type="button"><img alt="In Memory of the Kochani Victims, photo 3" decoding="async" height="480" loading="lazy" src="../../../images/kochani-3.webp" width="720"/></button>
<button class="eg-thumb" data-caption="In Memory of the Kochani Victims" data-full="../../../images/kochani-4.webp" type="button"><img alt="In Memory of the Kochani Victims, photo 4" decoding="async" height="480" loading="lazy" src="../../../images/kochani-4.webp" width="720"/></button>
</div>
</section>
