Music caravan 'A Bright Shining Day' launches in Ohrid to mark 35 years of independence

The Government of North Macedonia opened a nationwide music-and-stage caravan in Ohrid to mark the country's 35th anniversary of independence.

The first show takes place tonight at Biljanini Izvori stadium, where entertainer Igor Dzambazov will appear alongside more than 30 domestic artists. Organizers say the presentation will trace the story of the country through music, theatre, poetry and contemporary stage expression. Program times at Biljanini Izvori are scheduled to begin with a DJ set at 19:30, followed by the official music-and-stage spectacle at 20:30. Entrance is free.

Tour plan and headline appearances

The caravan — presented under the title "A Bright Shining Day" — will visit a total of 11 cities across North Macedonia. The itinerary includes several headline events planned for this summer and early autumn.

On 1 September, Spanish tenor José Carreras is scheduled to perform on Skopje's central square together with local artists. On 16 August, Strumica is expected to host electronic-music veterans Paul van Dyk and Paul Oakenfold. The program is set to culminate on 8 September with a concert by David Guetta.

The overall cost of the nationwide celebrations has not been disclosed. Officials from the Government of North Macedonia said they will publish financial details after all events are announced.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski also shared a promotional video highlighting what the government described as the most significant moments and personalities from three-and-a-half decades of independence.

Photo: press material from the event