The Christmas celebration begins on January 5th, the evening, known as kolede. Children go from door to door singing Christmas carols and receiving fruits, nuts and sweets from the people.
In the Republic of Macedonia, the most common religion is Orthodox Christianity. Muslims are the second-largest religious group with almost one-third of the population adhering to Islam. There are also many other religious groups in Macedonia, including Catholicism, Baptism, Protestantism, Hinduism and Judaism.
Macedonian wines rank among the best value and most drinkable wines available anywhere.