Fašinada: A Centuries-Old Tradition in the Heart of the Bay of Kotor
Every year on July 22, as the sun begins to dip behind the mountains of the Bay of Kotor, a quiet procession begins to form on the waterfront of Perast. Small wooden boats, decorated with laurel and carrying local men in traditional dress, slowly glide across the water toward the island of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela).
This is Fašinada — one of Montenegro’s oldest and most unique traditions, a living ritual that has connected generations of Perast’s people to their faith, their sea, and their heritage for over five centuries.
Photo credits: Ranko Maraš, Ig: @radza
Fašinada: A Ritual Born from Legend
The tradition dates back to 1452, when, according to local legend, two sailors from Perast discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the sea. Believing it to be a divine sign, they vowed to build a church on that very spot.
Over time, residents began throwing stones into the sea to raise an artificial island — now home to the iconic church of Our Lady of the Rocks.
Fašinada is a symbolic continuation of this act: each year, locals row out and drop stones around the island to reinforce it, preserving both the physical structure and the spiritual tradition it represents.
Photo credits: Ranko Maraš, Ig: @radza
More Than a Ceremony — A Community Celebration
The event begins in the early evening, when the boats set out in a quiet, solemn procession, led by the oldest and most respected seafarers. Many of the boats are rowed by families who have taken part in the Fašinada for generations.
As they approach the island, they drop rocks into the water, honoring their ancestors and ensuring the island remains protected from erosion.
On the shore, visitors and residents gather to watch this uniquely Montenegrin blend of folklore, devotion, and maritime culture. The ceremony is followed by a festive evening — with music, food, and a sense of togetherness that defines life in this part of the Adriatic.
A Symbol of Endurance and Identity
Fašinada is more than just a local custom — it’s a reminder of how tradition, community, and place are deeply intertwined in the Bay of Kotor. In an age of change and development, Perast’s people continue to protect what is sacred to them, with humility and pride.
The event has been nominated for inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list — a well-deserved recognition for a ceremony that embodies the spirit of the bay.
Photo credits: Ranko Maraš, Ig: @radza
Perast: Where Time Stands Still
Perast itself is a jewel on the coast — a baroque town of elegant stone palaces, quiet streets, and breathtaking views of the bay. Just across from Our Lady of the Rocks, it offers a rare combination of history, tranquility, and beauty — making it one of the most desirable places to live in Montenegro.
Whether you’re drawn by the cultural richness, the sea views, or the quiet elegance of life in Perast, our team at Astra Real Estate is here to help you find a home in this extraordinary place.
Contact us today to learn more about real estate opportunities in Perast and the Bay of Kotor — and become a part of the story that’s still being written, one stone at a time.
