Did you know that every knot on a Martinka carries a wish for good health? ✨
On February 15, 2026, in celebration of Grandma March Day (Денот на Баба Марта), we invited children to a warm and creative workshop dedicated to the Martinki tradition, where stories come alive through little hands and bright imaginations. Baba Marta Day (Grandma March Day, or simply Granny Marta Day) is a traditional celebration observed on the first day of March, marking the arrival of spring and symbolizing health, renewal, and protection.
This was not just a workshop.
It was a journey into tradition and the magic of spring.
Grandma March Day (UNESCO) 2026 by Vasilka Dimitrovska
The workshop was organized by Katche za Prikazni (Story Corner), in collaboration with HAEMUS (organization that is legally safeguarding the Martinki custom inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage) and Kreaktiva – The Storytelling & Experience Design Studio.
🎙 The storytellers at this event were Vasilka Dimitrovska and Ena Chausidis.
What awaited the children?
🌟 An experience that connected them with their roots.
🧠 Hands-on skills and creative expression.
📖 A memorable story, told by experts.
We spent our Sunday morning at Story Corner, away from screens and close to tradition, reconnecting with what our grandmothers once created with their own hands. ☺️
🤍 The children had the unique honor of welcoming Vasilka Dimitrovska, founder of HAEMUS and Kreaktiva and official custodian of the “Martinki” custom recognized by UNESCO. 💫
We entered the world of Macedonian folklore through the tale “The Girl and the Twelve Months,” read by Ena Chausidis, followed by Vasilka’s storytelling about Baba Marta, her “hundred minds,” and the deeper symbolism and ritual practices behind the making of Martinki.
The children absorbed the stories with curiosity and joy — and then brought them to life by crafting their own Martinki. ❤️
❤️ The children absorbed these stories with great curiosity and joyfully embraced the opportunity to create their own Martinki!
We are aware that Vasilka Dimitrovska has received European awards for storytelling, but when you pass the children’s test, only then can we officially say that Kreaktiva truly has a master storyteller. ❤️
Happy Grandma March Day (Среќна Баба Марта) to everyone. See you at our next shared workshop. 💫
Why This Matters
At ХАЕМУС, we believe workshops should do more than entertain. They should connect generations. They should transmit meaning. They should transform knowledge into lived experience.
Yes, storytelling awards and professional recognition matter.
But when children listen, ask questions, and proudly wear what they created, that is the real validation.
We spent a Sunday morning away from screens and closer to heritage.
And that is exactly where stories belong.
Happy Baba Marta to everyone.
Until the next shared story.
Collaboration
✨ If you are looking for workshops that go beyond simple activities — workshops grounded in heritage interpretation, storytelling methodology, and meaningful experience design — HAEMUS is ready to collaborate.
Let’s create experiences that are remembered.
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