We went to the 12th Macedonian Old-New Year's Masquerade at Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia. The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) hosted this Vasilica celebration at the historic Moses House in Kalorama, which now houses the embassy. We snapped Alba Osteria's Viktor Nikolov, Peace Corps' Ted Shibata, Wells Fargo's Milja Stefanovska, University of Richmond's Saska Stefanovski, United Macedonian Diaspora president Metodija Koloski and Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia counselor Marigona Marku.

The event featured remarks by Ambassador Vasko Naumovski and Koloski. More than 150 guests enjoyed Macedonia’s rich cuisine and wines donated by Stobi Winery, food catered by Borekg LLC, rakija brandy and music by DeeJay Nikifo. Here, Katerina Trajkova and Goce Anastasovski, who both work in retirement communities in Northwest DC.

Proceeds benefit UMD’s scholarships for college students and internship program. Since 2009, more than $50k has been given out in scholarships, and close to 60 students have participated in UMD's internship program in Washington, DC. Here, Embassy of Montenegro second secretary Milena Veljovic and consultant Nikola Veljovic.

Vasilica is a centuries-old Macedonian holiday that commemorates both the feast day of St. Basil the Great and the New Year’s Day according to the Julian calendar. For the past 1,400 years, during this holiday, the village of Vevcani in Macedonia holds the vibrant Vevcani Carnival — the most famous village festivals in the Balkans. People from all over Macedonia and the region come to Vevcani wearing festive costumes and masks and dance throughout the two-day event. Here, DC Government worker Claire Riesenberg with United Macedonian Diaspora's Filip Jotevski.