### Select Language

English Slovenščina Македонски
Macedonian Student Night in Ljubljana

Published on October 8, 2022

# Macedonian Student Night in Ljubljana

From an idea to a party with 500 students, that's how our story began!

On October 8, 2022, in the heart of the Student Campus in Ljubljana, the first Macedonian Student Night in Slovenia took place. Under the motto #FeelsLikeHome, more than 500 young people enjoyed Macedonian music, delicious traditional food, and an atmosphere that felt like home. This event was not just a party, it was the beginning of a new story, which would later grow into the Macedonian Student Organization in Slovenia (MSOS).

## How an idea for socializing became the start of a movement

It all began with a simple wish, to gather, get to know each other, and feel Macedonia, even though we were far from it. Kristijan Popovski, then a student at the School of Economics and Business in Ljubljana, shared his idea with a few colleagues, and the response was incredible. In less than two weeks, over 40 students joined the organizing team. Everyone contributed their enthusiasm and time, and the shared spirit and desire to connect turned this spontaneous initiative into an event we would remember for a long time.

Photos from the preparations and meetings for organizing the Macedonian Student Night.

From that moment on, we spent every free moment in the offices of the student organization Povezani, which gave us great support in organizing. Days and nights were spent planning, holding meetings, and writing social media posts, all with the goal of creating an event that we initially thought would attract, if we were lucky, about 100 visitors.

A week before the event, we posted interesting facts about Macedonia every day, its national treasures, music, and culture. Slowly but surely, we built the atmosphere and excitement, not only among Macedonian students but also among many others who wanted to feel our energy.

Poster with Cyrillic and Latin letters. Slovenians are learning the Macedonian alphabet, while Macedonians are teaching them.

> “Organizing the first MSOS party was a one-of-a-kind experience, sleepless, ambitious, and involved in everything from logistics to mopping the floor... Thank goodness for Red Bull 😉 (P.S. We drank the entire fridge supply!)”

## The taste and smell of Macedonia in the heart of Ljubljana

The party started at 8:00 PM and was designed in two parts. The first part was a real gastronomic and cultural journey through Macedonia. Students could try bread with ajvar and white cheese, Macedonian wine, tasty snacks, and traditional drinks. The tables were also filled with other authentic products that reminded everyone of home. All these flavors and aromas were made possible thanks to the support of the Macedonian products store “Makedonija Trade,” which selflessly contributed to making this part of the evening truly enjoyable.

Photos of the stands with Macedonian symbols, traditional food, and drinks.

In addition to the food, visitors could explore interesting facts about the country, photos of famous Macedonian figures and cultural landmarks, and see traditional costumes and a gaida up close. The atmosphere was warm and full of curiosity, like a small exhibition within a large student party.

Mini quiz with questions about Macedonia, where students in one part of the club are competing.

## Support from the Macedonian community and diplomacy

The evening was enriched by the presence of important guests from the Macedonian community in Slovenia. The President of the Union of Macedonian Cultural Associations in Slovenia, Mr. Blagoja Nasteski, joined the event, confirming the importance of such initiatives for preserving the Macedonian spirit and tradition in the diaspora.

Kristijan and Bisera together with Ambassador Zelenkovska and the President of the Union of Macedonian Associations, Mr. Nasteski

We were especially honored to welcome the Ambassador of North Macedonia to Slovenia, Mrs. Suzana Zelenkovska, who gave warm words of encouragement and support to the youth. Her presence and interest in the event were an additional motivation to continue our mission of connecting and promoting the Macedonian student community.

The party had great energy spreading everywhere, at one point there was a small but controlled chaos. Even though the event ended slightly earlier than planned, the students kept singing together for another hour while we were cleaning up the place. Truly, a night to remember!

> “I was part of the organizing team and was supposed to maintain order among the students, but when they played the song 'Biser Balkanski,' I couldn't resist, so I joined in as well... That was my special moment that night!”

## A beginning to remember

That night wasn't just another student party, it was the moment we realized we had started something bigger. Instead of the expected 100 guests, about 500 students came to the club, and the energy was incredible. New friendships were made, songs were sung from the heart, and Macedonian culture and tradition took center stage for the entire evening.

This night laid the foundation for the Macedonian Student Organization in Slovenia and showed us that with enthusiasm, unity, and a bit of courage, it's possible to create something that brings people together and gives them a sense of home, even when they are far away from it.

Photo taken at 4:00 a.m., after finishing and cleaning up the venue together with the dedicated team of volunteers

## Photos from the event

### Like what we do?

Become a member or support MSOS so we can create even more moments like this.

Become a member Support MSOS

## Never miss an MSOS update

News, announcements and open calls, straight to your inbox.

We care about your data in our privacy policy