 Project description
Through the Porece Fair, initiated by the people of Rastes in cooperation with the Macedonian Student Ethnological Association, the municipality of Samokov, and the Institute of Ethnology from Skopje, traditional cultural values, old crafts, and customs are preserved and revitalized. Workshops in traditional skills were held in a traditional ambient in Samokov. Visitors were presented characteristic natural and cultural values of Porece: traditional music, dances, food, and handicrafts. Craftsmen from other regions of Macedonia as well were exhibiting at the Fair.
Contact
Gojko Minovski, Rastes Neighbourhood Unit, 045/270-014
Vanja Dimitrievski, Macedonian Student Ethnological Association 070/834-774,
vanjad@unet.com.mk
www.iunona.pmf.ukim.edu.mk/ethnology/index.htm
Location
Rastes, municipality of Samokov, western Macedonia
 About Rastes
Rastes is part of the Samokov municipality. It belongs to the ethnological region of Porece, bordering to the east through the Jakupica Mountain with the Veles region and the Skopje Valley; on the north to Tetovo and Gostivar; to the west with Kicevo; and to the south with Krusevo and Prilep. This is a typical mountainous village where the cattle (sheep and goats) breeding is the main source of living for the local population. Cattlebreeding has left its traces on the appearance of settlements and the landscapes. In addition to cattle breeding, characteristic activities are coal gathering and processing, resin processing, and the processing of metal ore on so called “samokovi”. Porece is linked to the new artificial lake of Kozjak through which it is expected to obtain a new impulse for development and a possibility for tourism revival. Due to their isolation so far, local people have managed to preserve many of their traditional cultural values; due to underdeveloped industry in this region, health environment has also been preserved. This offers possibilities for the development of cultural and ecological tourism.
How to reach Rastes?
You can reach Rastes via Samokov. There are three routes leading from Skopje to Samokov. The road Skopje – Tetovo – Gostivar – Kicevo - Makedonski Brod - Samokov is some 160 km long and is at the moment the shortest access road to Samokov. The road Skopje – Veles – Prilep - Samokov is some 200 km long and is in good condition. The local road network is in good condition. Asphalt roads exist to almost each village.
There is a regular coach bus line linking Samokov to Skopje and other settlements on the road. Buses to Skopje leave Samokov at 4 a.m., and drives from Skopje to Samokov at 16.30 hours. Each bus has 18 seats and, for bigger groups, additional bus line may be organized (for information and booking, please call 070/335-414).
Where to stay overnight?
There are no accommodation facilities in Porece if you decide to stay longer. There are two motels “Suvenir” and “Pesna”. The “Suvenir” motel is located in the Samokov village, and the “Pesna” motel is located at some 20 kilometre distance from Samokov.
 Local specifics
Many people from Porece deal with the so called “collecting economy”. Mushrooms, moss, berries, resin, medicinal herbs etc. are collected. Most of this is sold, and one part of it is processed before being sold. This is the case with the resin collected from pine trees. A characteristic liquid called “neft” is collected from such trees and is used as traditional medicine for healing rheumatic diseases, wounds, and the like. From the remains of pine trees tar is produced that also has healing characteristics according to local people. Resin collection and processing are more characteristic for the inhabitants of Trebovlje.
What can you see in the surroundings?
More characteristic sites in the Porece region include the Kozjak lake, the Pesna cave, the Pokliste site, the springs in the Belica village, the “Devini Kuli”, the monastery of St. Bogorodica Precista in the vicinity of the village of Manastirec, the mill and the old “valavica” (a water spot where rugs are hand-washed) in the village of Belica.
The newly-built artificial lake of Kozjak on the Treska River is the largest manmade accumulation in Macedonia. Local people have already started telling stories related to the lake: its construction, the fish that does not want to return to the river but immediately adapts itself to the new conditions etc.
Pekliste is located in the northern part of Porece, beyond the villages of Rastes, Bitovo, and Zagrad. Local people believe that Pekliste possesses greatest values out of all natural beauties.
The “Pesna” cave is located in the vicinity of the “Pesna” motel, on the road between Makedonski Brod and Samokov. People believe that Pesna was one of the sisters of Krale Marko. She used to live in the cave and could from there see her sister Deva, the other sister of Krale Marko that used to live in the “Devini Kuli” fortress next to Pesna.
The village of Belica is often included in mountain excursions. Visitors to this village are very much attracted to the extraordinary beautiful springs, the mill, the “valavica” and fishponds.
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