The "pig dance" or as many know it as "so bishkata" (which translates to "with the pig") is a Macedonian tradition performed during the wedding reception. As with many cultures the bride and groom select a numko/kume and numka/kuma which are commonly referred to as godparents. These two people play a very special role in the upcoming life of the bride and groom.

After the marriage ceremony family and friends attend a reception hosted by the newlywed couple and their parents. One of the many traditions performed at the reception is the Macedonian pig dance. The main reason behind this dance is to allow the numko/kume and numka/kuma to "pay for their meal" which consisted of a cooked pig and in previous generations a chicken (it is now common to have a full course meal for the guests which includes many more items but also includes the cooked pig).

The pig dance is commonly performed by the males in the wedding party and any relatives or friends with enough courage to "perform" in front of the guests. The band begins to play the song "Ajde Kume, Kume" (which means "Come on godfather, godfather...") and those performing the dance begin to enter the area, one of which carries the baked pig attractively dressed with other foods. Many are clothed in various Macedonian costumes, most in modern times simply take off their jackets, raise their pants and tie various cloths around their legs, head, and arms. Most are holding bottles of wine, and forks and knives to cut the pig with. As they enter the area where the kum and kyma are seated they dance and yell, offering them their meal in exchange for money. They also offer wine to the kum and continue to sing, dance and whistle. It is also at this point that many other guests also contribute to the meal in exchange for a piece of the pig's meat.

It is not until the bearers of the pig (ie. the ones carrying it) are satisfied that the kum has sufficiently paid for his meal that they leave the room ending the dance.

It can also be noted that some "Greek" weddings perform this ritual as well. It can also be noted that the families that perform this ritual originate from northern Greece (Aegean Macedonia) and that those originating from the south and islands do not perform this. The reason this happens is because many Macedonians from northern Greece are assimilated into the Greek culture and bring along with them ancient Macedonian customs. This custom is peformed by Macedonians in Aegean Macedonia (northern Greece), those in Pirin Macedonia (southwestern Bulgaria), Prespa (parts of eastern Albania) and Vardar Macedonia (the Republic of Macedonia).

If you would like to watch or listen to the ancient tradition of the Macedonian Pig Dance, a Real Audio/Video clip can be obtained from Sun Music Entertainment. The clip is performed at a Macedonian wedding in North America and is performed by the popular Macedonian band Biser. The audio/video clip can be obtained at the following link: