Project’s description
The blacksmiths from Berovo still produce manually. They expressed a wish to modernize production and to pass over their craft to the younger generations. In cooperation with the association “Romanela” from Berovo, and with the support of the artist Slavica Janeslieva, they enlarged their forged iron programme, by adding an artistic value to the products. The more experienced blacksmiths will train the younger ones, in terms of transferring knowledge and skills of this ancient craft. Their skilfully produced items will be presented on an exhibition in Berovo and Skopje, and a catalogue with forged iron products will also be developed.

Location
Berovo, Eastern Macedonia

Contact
Citizens’ Association “Romanela”, Berovo
Azira Kundevska
tel: 033/471-592, 033/472-713
romanelaberovo@yahoo.com

About Berovo
Berovo is located in the Eastern part of the Republic of Macedonia, in the Males region. It is one of the highest towns in Macedonia. The Project will be implemented in the Roma settlement in Berovo, where the old blacksmith workshops are located. The population in this neighborhood has been involved with the blacksmith craft from ancient times.

How to reach Berovo
Berovo is 178 kilometers from Skopje. The motorway Skopje-Veles-Stip-Kocani-Vinica-Berovo leads to the city, and there is a regular bus running from Skopje and from the other cities as well.

Where can one stay overnight?
You can stay overnight in the hotel “Manastir” (monastery) in the vicinity of the monastery “St. Archangel Michael”, not far from the centre. In addition, accommodation can be found in the motel located in the magnificent environment of Berovo Lake, several kilometers away from the city.

Local particularities (customs, traditions, local dishes)
The unpolluted environment and the surrounding mountains with dense forests secure favourable conditions for the development of agriculture and cattle-breeding. The most famous agricultural products from the Malesevo region are the Malesevo potato, whereas the cattle-breeders are known for their cheese-production. Plum growers are also proud of the traditional, well-known main ingredient of the quality Malesevska rakija. When you are in Berovo, don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous Berovo stew and Pastrmajlija (home made bread with meat). This area is known for its pine tree forest, and the local population produces the so called “pine honey” a syrup made of young pine cones used for colds and pulmonary diseases, but is also tasty for pancake dressing and an additive for other deserts.
Most important among the customs are Virgin Mary’s birth – traditional curban - celebrated on the 28th August, and Bamburci, which is actually a traditional maskenball. Several old crafts exist in Berovo, but all of them now are on the verge of their extinction. The most famous crafts are weaving, blacksmith, spindling, basket-making, woodcarving and carpeting.

What Do the Surroundings Offer?
The church “St. Mary” and one of the oldest monasteries in the Republic of Macedonia “St Archangel Michael”, which is a city museum today, are located in the vicinity of Berovo. Historical items owned by the famous Vojvoda Iljo Malesevski and Dimitar Pop Georgiev Berovski can be seen there. For the visitors, especially attractive is Lake “Mladost”, with its magnificent natural pine tree surroundings.