Holidays and festivals in winter in Montenegro
Among tourists, it is widely believed that it is better to visit European countries in summer. However, this does not apply to Montenegro, because this country is interesting and good for tourists in winter as well. After all, in winter time, all historical and architectural sights stand on their original place, while prices are significantly reduced, the influx of visitors comes down, and the climate pleases with its softness. Among other things, in winter in Montenegro there are numerous celebrations, holidays and events dedicated to winter. Large-scale festivals, flash mobs, historical reproductions and fairs, where you can buy handmade items or try national food, are often organized. All events in Montenegro are exclusively in the national style and in this article we will try to tell you about the most interesting, unusual and exciting that take place in winter.
Masliniada (Bar).
This event is an exhibition and tasting of olives, olive oil, as well as oranges, tangerines and other agro products growing in the coastal zone of Montenegro and especially in the Bar community. This event is of great importance, as tourists can enjoy tasting olives, home wine, various cheese and other products typical for this region. The cultural and entertainment program is represented by exhibitions of traditional and folk costumes, which used to be worn in the Bar and in its surroundings.
December days of culture (Podgorica).
Days of culture and art are also held in Podgorica in the last month of the year. Within two weeks, the capital organized numerous promotional events, exhibitions of works of art, concerts, theater and dramatic performances.
DEUS - December artistic scene (Podgorica).
In December, Podgorica hosts another festival of theater, music and other cultural events, in which artists from Montenegro and other neighboring countries take part. The program of the event consists of the content of various fields: theater, music, fine arts, literature and cinema, and the schedule of events is determined by the DEUS program activity council. In addition to its quality programs, the festival is known for its very attractive promotional materials. Posters, billboards, catalogs, invitations and leaflets are prepared by famous artists and graphics specialists.
Days of wine and bleak (Virpazar).
In the Balkans, various wine festivals are often held, with the aim of developing domestic viticulture, national cuisine, and cultural values. One of these festivals is called "The Days of Wine and Bleak" and takes place in Virpazar near Lake Skadar. The name sounds quite romantic, fun and tempting! And it fully justifies itself ... The festival program lasts several days and includes numerous tastings of fish and wine, awarding of quality wine, a festive concert, as well as other cultural and entertainment events.
New Year Celebration.
Celebrations and festivities on the streets and squares of all the cities of Montenegro begin on 31 December and end on 2 January . In large coastal cities, Budva and Kotor, on such holidays Montenegrin and foreign super stars are often invited.
2 January - St. Ignatius of the God-bearer Day - Chicken Christmas.
January in the Balkans begins with a holiday, celebrated according to ancient national traditions. The New Year is celebrated cheerfully and on a grand scale, on the calendar the second day of the first month of winter, which means that the Chicken Christmas is celebrated (the day of St. Ignatius the God-bearer). What happens on this day? With the first rays of the sun, a woman, namely the mistress of the house meets a new day, feeds chickens and other living creatures and feeds them with food that has stayed since evening. Great luck for the one who will enter the house on that day. According to tradition, he will be a chicken anointed. The guest is seated on a special pillow or a soft feather bed so that they carry eggs. The hostess treats him with Balkan, strong, alcoholic beverages and snacks. The custom with a pumpkin is required, which they must break so that the seeds fly as far as possible in all directions, which symbolizes the birth of chickens. It is generally believed that the one who throws a branch into the fire, will be lucky this year. Rain or snow on this day is a good sign, which implies an excellent harvest.
5 January - Tutsin dan or the Children's holiday.
Two days before Christmas, the inhabitants of Montenegro celebrate another holiday - Tutsin dan (Fat Day). Though this holiday is considered orthodox, but in it there are also pagan elements which have remained from times of sacred Sava, the first archbishop of Serbian. Saint Sava once intentionally preserved folk customs in order to attract more people to the Orthodox faith.
6 January - Christmas Eve.
Then follows Christmas Eve, which is celebrated on 6 January. Christmas Eve has many customs and traditions. The most widely practiced, which still exists today, is the service of the Midnight Mass Church. In many countries, especially Catholic countries, such as Spain, Mexico, Poland and Italy, this is the most important church service during the Christmas season.
The countries of Serbia and Montenegro share many Christmas traditions. Christmas Eve is called "Badji-dan", in the afternoon and "Badni Vece" after sunset. This is the time when families prepare for Christmas. Outside the churches, large fires are often lit, where people gather in the evening on Christmas Eve and arrange Christmas performances. Cesnica is a special kind of bread made for Christmas, and it is baked in round shape. There is a hidden coin in it, the one, who will find it, will be especially lucky in the New Year.
7 January - Christmas.
Christmas is celebrated the day after Christmas Eve and is the most important holiday for the Montenegrins. It lasts until the last days of January.
Christmas is a very religious holiday, and most people go to Christmas services. There are many old Serbian traditions connected with the countryside, which have now lost their significance. Earlier, on the eve of Christmas, the father of the family went to the forest to cut out a young oak, called "Badnyak." This is still a tradition in the rural part of the country, but most of the townspeople replace Badnjak by buying a pair of oak twigs with their brown leaves still attached, as burning traditional logs is usually impossible in modern houses. Such small bednjaks can be bought in bazaars or in churches. The Serbian Orthodox Church organizes a public celebration on the eve of Christmas. At about 5.30 pm people begin to gather on a large plateau in front of the cathedral, carrying large and small oak logs. The atmosphere of the event is solemn. An open fire is built, and gradually more and more people approach it, throwing their bednjaks into the fire.
13 January - Small Christmas or Old New Year.
A small Christmas, or famous old New Year in Montenegro is celebrated on the night from 13 January to 14 January, according to the Julian calendar. In the Balkans, on this night the corn round pies are prepared with thick cream, which is called "kajmak."
Saint Tripun's Day in Kotor.
In late January and early February, according to an ancient tradition dating back to the 9th century, the town of Kotor in honor of the patron Saint Tripun. It begins on the main square of the old city, in front of the cathedral city residents and numerous tourists gather. Exactly at noon, on 27 January, the "Little Admiral" appears on the balcony of St. Tripun's Cathedral - a boy dressed in the ceremonial admiral's uniform, who is elected at a special joint meeting of the Admiralty and the Council of the Bokeldky fleet. He pronounces "Lode" - praise to the patron of the city, after which solemn events begin, lasting a few more days. On all squares of the ancient city of Kotor there are well-known musical bands, folklore ensembles and church choirs of Montenegro.
In addition to calendar holidays in Montenegro, there are events arranged that are no less interesting.
Manifestations such as "Days of mountain flowers" and "Angel Cup" enrich the tourist offer of Zabljak, and monasteries and churches in the vicinity of the city contribute to the development of religious tourism. Rafting on the Tara River is definitely a special attraction for lovers of extreme sports.
January-February - Festival of Mimosa (Herceg Novi).
The festival of Mimosa is held in the famous resort of Herceg Novi, usually from the end of January till the last days of February. The arrival of spring is celebrated with the appearance of the first fragrant, yellow blooming mimosas. The fiesta lasts for several weeks and is accompanied by various exhibitions of fine arts, traditional and modern theater performances, literary evenings, sports competitions, a brass band parade, costumed processions with music and dances, and street fun with an abundance of treats and drinks. All participants and spectators carry blossoming branches of mimosa, which gives the event a special charm and beauty. The highlight of the festival is the Flower Show, in which girls in special suits holding branches of a divergent bush travel to visit friends and relatives. Many say that the mimosa in Herceg Novi was brought from Australia. But even if it’s true, the plant has perfectly taken root and now every winter pleases the locals and visitors with their sunny flowers.
Winter traditional Kotor carnival.
In February, the audience can enjoy the truly wonderful show. Kotor Carnival is an annual event that is famous for its magnificent performances, a fabulous masquerade ball, a bright costumed parade, a children's carnival and various concerts. The Winter Carnival is considered to be the largest entertainment event in Montenegro, because for various masks are made and unique carnival costumes are sewn. Every year this festival gathers several thousand people who can take part in it and catch the rhythm and spirit of the local population. In addition to the local carnival troupes, other groups that come from different cities of Montenegro demonstrate their skills in the show. The goal is to create cohesion at the city level, a sense of collective identity through the study of the past and achieved cultural values, and also to motivate people to different articulation of society and opportunities in society.
Ex-Yu Fest (Podgorica).
A film festival follows the carnival, which takes place in the capital of Montenegro - Podgorica. For several days of the festival, cinema projects from all the republics of the former Yugoslavia are presented to the public.
Please pay attention: the dates of some holidays, such as Christmas, Fashinade or Independence Day, remain unchanged year after year, the greater part is changing, and often this is due to weather conditions. Find out the exact dates for carrying out this or that event through our feedback form, in the city's tourist organization or in the community.
December.
Masliniada (Bar).
This event is an exhibition and tasting of olives, olive oil, as well as oranges, tangerines and other agro products growing in the coastal zone of Montenegro and especially in the Bar community. This event is of great importance, as tourists can enjoy tasting olives, home wine, various cheese and other products typical for this region. The cultural and entertainment program is represented by exhibitions of traditional and folk costumes, which used to be worn in the Bar and in its surroundings.
December days of culture (Podgorica).
Days of culture and art are also held in Podgorica in the last month of the year. Within two weeks, the capital organized numerous promotional events, exhibitions of works of art, concerts, theater and dramatic performances.
DEUS - December artistic scene (Podgorica).
In December, Podgorica hosts another festival of theater, music and other cultural events, in which artists from Montenegro and other neighboring countries take part. The program of the event consists of the content of various fields: theater, music, fine arts, literature and cinema, and the schedule of events is determined by the DEUS program activity council. In addition to its quality programs, the festival is known for its very attractive promotional materials. Posters, billboards, catalogs, invitations and leaflets are prepared by famous artists and graphics specialists.
Days of wine and bleak (Virpazar).
In the Balkans, various wine festivals are often held, with the aim of developing domestic viticulture, national cuisine, and cultural values. One of these festivals is called "The Days of Wine and Bleak" and takes place in Virpazar near Lake Skadar. The name sounds quite romantic, fun and tempting! And it fully justifies itself ... The festival program lasts several days and includes numerous tastings of fish and wine, awarding of quality wine, a festive concert, as well as other cultural and entertainment events.
New Year Celebration.
Celebrations and festivities on the streets and squares of all the cities of Montenegro begin on 31 December and end on 2 January . In large coastal cities, Budva and Kotor, on such holidays Montenegrin and foreign super stars are often invited.
January.
2 January - St. Ignatius of the God-bearer Day - Chicken Christmas.
January in the Balkans begins with a holiday, celebrated according to ancient national traditions. The New Year is celebrated cheerfully and on a grand scale, on the calendar the second day of the first month of winter, which means that the Chicken Christmas is celebrated (the day of St. Ignatius the God-bearer). What happens on this day? With the first rays of the sun, a woman, namely the mistress of the house meets a new day, feeds chickens and other living creatures and feeds them with food that has stayed since evening. Great luck for the one who will enter the house on that day. According to tradition, he will be a chicken anointed. The guest is seated on a special pillow or a soft feather bed so that they carry eggs. The hostess treats him with Balkan, strong, alcoholic beverages and snacks. The custom with a pumpkin is required, which they must break so that the seeds fly as far as possible in all directions, which symbolizes the birth of chickens. It is generally believed that the one who throws a branch into the fire, will be lucky this year. Rain or snow on this day is a good sign, which implies an excellent harvest.
5 January - Tutsin dan or the Children's holiday.
Two days before Christmas, the inhabitants of Montenegro celebrate another holiday - Tutsin dan (Fat Day). Though this holiday is considered orthodox, but in it there are also pagan elements which have remained from times of sacred Sava, the first archbishop of Serbian. Saint Sava once intentionally preserved folk customs in order to attract more people to the Orthodox faith.
6 January - Christmas Eve.
Then follows Christmas Eve, which is celebrated on 6 January. Christmas Eve has many customs and traditions. The most widely practiced, which still exists today, is the service of the Midnight Mass Church. In many countries, especially Catholic countries, such as Spain, Mexico, Poland and Italy, this is the most important church service during the Christmas season.
The countries of Serbia and Montenegro share many Christmas traditions. Christmas Eve is called "Badji-dan", in the afternoon and "Badni Vece" after sunset. This is the time when families prepare for Christmas. Outside the churches, large fires are often lit, where people gather in the evening on Christmas Eve and arrange Christmas performances. Cesnica is a special kind of bread made for Christmas, and it is baked in round shape. There is a hidden coin in it, the one, who will find it, will be especially lucky in the New Year.
7 January - Christmas.
Christmas is celebrated the day after Christmas Eve and is the most important holiday for the Montenegrins. It lasts until the last days of January.
Christmas is a very religious holiday, and most people go to Christmas services. There are many old Serbian traditions connected with the countryside, which have now lost their significance. Earlier, on the eve of Christmas, the father of the family went to the forest to cut out a young oak, called "Badnyak." This is still a tradition in the rural part of the country, but most of the townspeople replace Badnjak by buying a pair of oak twigs with their brown leaves still attached, as burning traditional logs is usually impossible in modern houses. Such small bednjaks can be bought in bazaars or in churches. The Serbian Orthodox Church organizes a public celebration on the eve of Christmas. At about 5.30 pm people begin to gather on a large plateau in front of the cathedral, carrying large and small oak logs. The atmosphere of the event is solemn. An open fire is built, and gradually more and more people approach it, throwing their bednjaks into the fire.
13 January - Small Christmas or Old New Year.
A small Christmas, or famous old New Year in Montenegro is celebrated on the night from 13 January to 14 January, according to the Julian calendar. In the Balkans, on this night the corn round pies are prepared with thick cream, which is called "kajmak."
Saint Tripun's Day in Kotor.
In late January and early February, according to an ancient tradition dating back to the 9th century, the town of Kotor in honor of the patron Saint Tripun. It begins on the main square of the old city, in front of the cathedral city residents and numerous tourists gather. Exactly at noon, on 27 January, the "Little Admiral" appears on the balcony of St. Tripun's Cathedral - a boy dressed in the ceremonial admiral's uniform, who is elected at a special joint meeting of the Admiralty and the Council of the Bokeldky fleet. He pronounces "Lode" - praise to the patron of the city, after which solemn events begin, lasting a few more days. On all squares of the ancient city of Kotor there are well-known musical bands, folklore ensembles and church choirs of Montenegro.
In addition to calendar holidays in Montenegro, there are events arranged that are no less interesting.
- "Hot winter in the mountains" (Cetinje, Kolasin, Zabljak, Niksic, Rozhaje, Beranje).
- "Winter Cup of Montenegro" (Zabljak).
Manifestations such as "Days of mountain flowers" and "Angel Cup" enrich the tourist offer of Zabljak, and monasteries and churches in the vicinity of the city contribute to the development of religious tourism. Rafting on the Tara River is definitely a special attraction for lovers of extreme sports.
February.
January-February - Festival of Mimosa (Herceg Novi).
The festival of Mimosa is held in the famous resort of Herceg Novi, usually from the end of January till the last days of February. The arrival of spring is celebrated with the appearance of the first fragrant, yellow blooming mimosas. The fiesta lasts for several weeks and is accompanied by various exhibitions of fine arts, traditional and modern theater performances, literary evenings, sports competitions, a brass band parade, costumed processions with music and dances, and street fun with an abundance of treats and drinks. All participants and spectators carry blossoming branches of mimosa, which gives the event a special charm and beauty. The highlight of the festival is the Flower Show, in which girls in special suits holding branches of a divergent bush travel to visit friends and relatives. Many say that the mimosa in Herceg Novi was brought from Australia. But even if it’s true, the plant has perfectly taken root and now every winter pleases the locals and visitors with their sunny flowers.
Winter traditional Kotor carnival.
In February, the audience can enjoy the truly wonderful show. Kotor Carnival is an annual event that is famous for its magnificent performances, a fabulous masquerade ball, a bright costumed parade, a children's carnival and various concerts. The Winter Carnival is considered to be the largest entertainment event in Montenegro, because for various masks are made and unique carnival costumes are sewn. Every year this festival gathers several thousand people who can take part in it and catch the rhythm and spirit of the local population. In addition to the local carnival troupes, other groups that come from different cities of Montenegro demonstrate their skills in the show. The goal is to create cohesion at the city level, a sense of collective identity through the study of the past and achieved cultural values, and also to motivate people to different articulation of society and opportunities in society.
Ex-Yu Fest (Podgorica).
A film festival follows the carnival, which takes place in the capital of Montenegro - Podgorica. For several days of the festival, cinema projects from all the republics of the former Yugoslavia are presented to the public.
Please pay attention: the dates of some holidays, such as Christmas, Fashinade or Independence Day, remain unchanged year after year, the greater part is changing, and often this is due to weather conditions. Find out the exact dates for carrying out this or that event through our feedback form, in the city's tourist organization or in the community.
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