Isar Climb (Forty Martyrs)

What is the “cheterse” holiday in Shtip, which is celebrated every 22nd of March?

Every 22nd of March a unique and centuries-old custom is celebrated in Shtip on the Isar fort. The day and the customs are dedicated to the “Holy 40 Martyrs”, and Shtip people have a unique way of celebrating.

On this day, people from Stip climb the Isar hill all the way up to the fort in order to celebrate the holiday. They stop at the church of Saint Archangel Michael located halfway up the hill, and afterwards, they perform an interesting custom while climbing to the top.

According to tradition, participants should greet 40 people on their way to the top. The young people greet 39 and kiss the 40th (usually they try to find their crush) as well as collect 40 pebbles, from the top they throw 39 of them towards the Bregalnica river and keep the last one to put under the pillow that same night because, according to belief, they will dream of their life partner. On that day, practically everything is under the sign of the number 40. Most of the things that people who celebrate this holiday do are under the sign of the number 40. This custom is the first Macedonian custom included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

To participate in the celebrations, we will meet at the walking bridge at 11 AM. Participation is free.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Az1UUHzkrCprrJSP9

This unique way of celebration has been quite popular over the years in Shtip. The whole city celebrated this holiday. In the last few years the city does not show the same euphoria as before, but this year certain events are scheduled again that can bring back the old spirit of the unique holiday.

At the bottom of the Isar hill is the Youth Home (Dom na mladi), a place that each year participates in the celebration festivities of this day. On that occasion, this year they are hosting a mini rock concert.

Start at 20:30

Bands participating:

• bAd CoRneR
• TND
• Hot Line
• Backdoor Band

Concert entrance is free.