Johan Tarculovski leads the march to Krushevo

Johan in training for the march

The annual march to Krushevo for Ilinden kicked off today with 25 horseman departing from Aerodrom in Skopje and headed by Macedonian hero Johan Tarculovski.

The march to Krushevo takes place every year to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting for a free Macedonia and celebrate the Ilinden Uprising against the Ottoman Empire.

This is the 35th march to Krushevo to take place and the riders will arrive at Mechkin Kamen, the scene of the Macedonian last stand against the Ottomans, on August 2.

At the same time, Krushevo will kick off its "Ethnic City" manifestation. This annual manifestation involves much of the city dressing in the styles of the Ilinden Uprising period, giving the chance to get a taste of early 20th century Macedonia under Ottoman occupation.