medium & the message

Most people don’t like going to weddings. It’s probably becasue they have never been to a Macedonian wedding. There are so many crazy traditions and dancing that they are some of the best parties I have ever been to. It helps that my family is all outgoing and we usually are the ones who close out the dance floor.

My favourite tradition is the Pig Dance. It occurs after the wedding party is introduced and before dinner is served. Basically, it’s a bunch of guys carrying a roasted pig and bottles of booze while clanging knives and pots together.

We don’t do this just because we like to be loud and enjoy drinking (even though that’s true). The roasted pig symbolizes the new couple’s first meal. The men who dance with the pig exchange pieces of it and booze for money. Until they are satisfied that the Kuma (best man) has paid enough for the pig, the song continues. All of the guest are also able to participate. You let them know to come to your table by waving money in the air and they dance at your table.

They always start and end at the head table. The video below is when they came to our table. My Dad was having a great day and able to come to the reception. Most of these men dancing have been my dad’s friends for over 40 years so you can imagine how happy they were to be able to have him participate. It was a touching moment for all of us.

My brother John, who is holding the pig, is taking the place for my Dad. It was his first time participating in a pig dance and he did a fabulous job. You can see my Kumbaro (best man at my wedding) Chris; he’s the one ‘helping’ people drink in the first video and on the far left in this one. It was his first time as well. Both of them are carrying the tradition and making our families very proud.