Controversial 12‑ray flag removed in Bitola; official eight‑ray flag displayed
After criticism over a non‑standard symbol at the Ohrid show, the Bitola performance displayed the official North Macedonian flag with eight sun rays; the tour ends in Skopje on 4 September.
Organizers of the touring spectacle "Silno svetnal den" corrected a flag issue in Bitola after criticism arose over the use of a non‑standard symbol at an earlier show in Ohrid. The incident — and its correction — was reported on 12 August 2026 at 06:57.
At last night’s performance in Bitola the event raised the official flag of North Macedonia bearing eight sun rays, replacing the disputed banner that showed twelve rays and ending the public uncertainty triggered by the Ohrid appearance.
Background
"Silno svetnal den" is a large music-and-stage production created to mark the 35th anniversary of independence of North Macedonia. The production is touring several cities around the country; organizers say the tour will culminate with a final show in Skopje on 4 September.
After the concert in Ohrid, social media and some audience members flagged the use of a banner with twelve sun rays as inconsistent with the official state emblem. In Bitola the staging team used the officially recognised flag with eight rays, which removed the immediate cause of debate.
Organisers have not announced additional schedule changes and the tour is set to continue through other Macedonian cities ahead of the Skopje finale on 4 September. The correction in Bitola was visible to attendees and noted by viewers.
Photo: press material from the event
