It has been twenty years since the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia gained independence - and throughout the country, thousands are celebrating, but the festivities are stirring controversy at home and abroad.

But Greece, which has always opposed the country's use of the name Macedonia, is now objecting to a $7 million statue of military conqueror Alexander the Great.

It says its neighbour is forging history, by stealing Greek names and national heroes, while some citizens believe such extravagant gestures are better spent on helping the poor.

Al Jazeera's Claudio Lavanga reports from Skopje.