The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, marking the Orthodox feast of St. Trifun, today attended the traditional pruning of the vines trees in the municipality of Demir Kapija.

Prior to the ceremonial act of pruning the grapevine trees, President Ivanov congratulated the holiday to the vine growers and winemakers, wishing them fruitful harvest and production of even greater quality of Macedonian wine.

"Symbolically, pruning the vineyards on this day, we wish the vine growers have a lot more fruit and much prosperity. May that prosperity bring better quality for the winemakers! May we have even better wine, which will be found more often on domestic and foreign tables! Grapes and wine are somehow trademark of our country and we are recognized by them," said President Ivanov.

The mayor of the municipality of Demir Kapija, Mr. Trajce Dimitirev, attending the event congratulated St. Trifun, adding that viticulture and winemaking, as traditional activities in Demir Kapija, have great economic potential.

"This holiday is a feature of a great tradition and I am honored that we continue that tradition. Pruning of the vineyard reflects our efforts for a rich harvest, which will be transformed into a quality wine," said Dimitirev.

At the ceremony in the center of Demir Kapija were awarded prizes for the organized contest for home-made wine and brandy and in competitions in pruning vine trees and preparing traditional meals.

In accordance with the Macedonian traditions, President Ivanov every year, traditionally attends the ceremonies marking the Day of the wine growers and big Christian holiday, St. Trifun.