Biljana Platno Belese

Biljana Platno Beleše is a traditional Macedonian classic song from the Region of Ohrid, Macedonia. The song has been interpreted by numerous Classic, Traditional, Folk and Pop Artists of Macedonia.

The first accounted interpretation was that of the Ohridian Troubadours in the early 19th century, though the original source is unspecified as it was probably passed down through oral tradition.

In more recent times, it was interpreted by Dobri Stavrevski, Nikola Badev, Vaska Ilieva and the famous pop star Todor "Tose" Proeski.

Story of the Song

A young girl, Biljana, washes her clothes at a source of the Ohrid Lake. A group of vintners soon come and are charmed by her beauty. They try to impress her with their riches, but she does not find them appealing. To common surprise, she falls for a young man riding their carriage and tells them that she likes him. The group of men agree that it is time for the young man to find a bride, and so, they agree to let the youth's love blossom. The love was carried on by the waters of the source.

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