Ohrid Fest 33 ends with crowd and jury favourites on Dolni Saraj stage

The 33rd edition of the International Music Festival Ohrid Fest – Ohrid Troubadours closed after two packed nights of music, applause and awards on the Dolni Saraj stage.

Highlights and winners from the two festival evenings

The festival opened with the traditional Folk Night, which showcased new songs rooted in Macedonian musical tradition and the distinctive Ohrid sound. The audience reacted most warmly to Aneta Ljumakovska and Aneta Band, who won the public vote on Folk Night with the song "Srcevo te bendisa". Boban Zafirovski took second place with "Ohrid ke poludi", and Petar Nechovski finished third with "Muabet bez kraj".

The professional jury named "Nema vino sto bolkata ja lechi" in the performance of Milovan Sekulovski and Group Saraj the best composition. Second place went to Pero Hristov for "Posle tebe", and third to Ivana Serafimova with "Dosta e". Angela Vlintovska was awarded best debutant, Blaga Petreska received the interpretation prize, and Mirko Vratoski’s "Cvet srede zima" was singled out as the most troubadour-like composition. The "Ace Angeleski" award went to Laze Sekulovski, while accredited journalists gave their prize to Nino Velichkovski.

The second festival night leaned toward contemporary pop and underscored the event’s international reach. Serbia’s Milan Bujakovic won the public vote with "Srce lava"; Natalija Danailova placed second with "Bidi svoj" and Valdera was third with "Skrsheno staklo". The jury’s top composition was "Dur postojam" by Stefan Spiroski; Dimche Angeleski took second for "Kula od karti" and Stevan Fedi placed third with "Kasno shvatam", also earning the best interpretation award.

Other recognitions included the best duet for Srdjan Marjanovic and Brano Likic, best arrangement to Stefan Petanovski, and best lyrics (and the "Dolni Saraj" award) to Nemanja Djordjevic. Stefan Spiroski was honored for best stage performance, Elma Oria was named best debutant of the night, and accredited journalists singled out Jule and Baze Marotovi.

A special moment at the festival was a lifetime recognition for Suzana Mancic marking 50 years in television. Naxi Radio’s pick for the season’s most successful composition went to Marija Naumovska with "Vecherva", while Alen Rosi’s "Sidro ljubavi" was chosen as the most troubadour-like song.

After his victory, Milan Bujakovic said that he feels Macedonia as a second homeland and that he is always happy to perform for Macedonian audiences. With the close of this edition the Ohrid Fest team reiterated its mission to create new songs, introduce new musical names and keep blending tradition with contemporary sound: another festival chapter has ended and the new compositions will now begin their lives beyond the festival stage.

Photo: press material from the event