YES Abroad Student Ellen Bramel Immersed in Cultural Celebration in Bitushe Village

Ellen Bramel, a YES Abroad student, recently had the remarkable opportunity to participate in the vibrant Epiphany celebration in Bitushe village. This unique cultural event, steeped in tradition, offered Ellen an immersive experience that left a profound impact on her as both a young girl and a student. One of the distinctive features of the Epiphany celebration in Bitushe is its emphasis on women, who play key roles in the festivities. Despite being a newcomer to the village, Ellen felt warmly welcomed and embraced by the community.

Reflecting on her experience, Ellen shared, "I felt impacted by this pride when my Host Baba (grandma) helped me get dressed in traditional Nosija. This set of clothing has been in my host family for generations of women, so it was a privilege to try it on." The nosija holds significant cultural significance, worn by women of all ages during the Orthodox Epiphany on January 19th. Ellen described the awe-inspiring sight of women parading through the streets of Bitushe, carrying baskets of bread on their heads and singing traditional songs.

The celebration continued with the Oro, a traditional Macedonian folk dance, and communal meals hosted by the Kumovi (God-Parents). Ellen witnessed numerous beautiful traditions, each leaving an indelible mark on her. "Overall, I was deeply moved by the people and experiences of Bitushe in a way that's difficult to explain, but I will carry on the welcoming and generous spirit shown to me", she shared.