Let us give you another story about places to visit in Montenegro during the Global Carnival Season!

Montenegro, as small as it is, is a country that is rich in cultural traditions and festivals, and it has many exciting carnivals, masquerades, and other events that take place throughout the year. 

These carnivals mainly take place in the southern part of the country, mostly because of the Venetian influence on Boka Bay throughout history.

Now sit back and enjoy your read as we'll guide you through the captivating traditions and customs reflecting carnivals and masquerades in Montenegro.

 

Kotor

The Kotor Carnival is an annual event that takes place in the coastal town of Boka Kotorska, Kotor, typically in the final days of February. The carnival is a celebration of the pre-Lenten season, and it is one of the biggest events in the town's calendar.

The Kotor Carnival has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages, and it is characterised by colourful parades, music, dance, and intricate costumes. The festivities usually last for several weeks, and the highlight of the event is the Grand Parade, which features numerous groups of performers from all over Montenegro, the region, and beyond.

During the parade, participants dress up in a variety of costumes, ranging from traditional folk costumes to more modern and imaginative designs. The parade is accompanied by lively music and dancing, and spectators line the streets to watch the procession.

 

 

 

 

 

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Apart from the grand parade, the Kotor Carnival also features a variety of other events and activities, such as concerts, theatre performances, and children's activities. The carnival is a time of great joy and celebration, and it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions of Montenegro.

Another carnival, with less tradition than the Winter Carnival, also takes place in Kotor and it's called the International Summer festival. It's amusing for the visitors as it takes place during the summertime at the peak of the tourist season. Both of these festivals are supported by the Tourism Board of Kotor and Cultural Centre Nikola Djurkovic.

Right on the outskirts of the Kotor in Prčanj, another traditional carnival befalls in February - the Prčanj Carnival. The Carnival proceeds through the main street to the town centre, where the trial and burning of the culprit for all the misfortunes that befell the locals for the past year is held. See more information about this year's event here. 
 

Herceg Novi

When the mimosa trees in town are in full bloom, it's time for the party all around villages and the city of Herceg Novi! This festival is a celebration of spring and the blooming of the mimosa trees, which are a symbol of this city. During the festival, the streets and public spaces of Herceg Novi are decorated with mimosa flowers, and a variety of events and activities take place here.

The festival features a parade, with popular dancers called Mazoretkinje (Majorettes), also one of the symbols of this festival. In addition to the parade, the Herceg Novi Mimosa Festival also features a variety of other events and activities, including concerts, theatre performances, art exhibitions, and children's activities. 

This year, Mimosa Festival has a collaboration with the Exit festival, which includes world-famous DJ Claptone and Serbian Eurovision Star Konstrakta performing in the sun-kissed Herceg Novi! 

 

 

 

 

 

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Overall, the Herceg Novi Mimosa Festival is a must-see event for anyone visiting the region in late winter or early spring. The festival is a vibrant celebration of nature, culture, and the local community, and it is sure to leave visitors with lasting memories.

 

Budva

Even though not as old as the Kotor Winter Carnival, the annual Carnival in Budva is one of the biggest events in Montenegro. It is held annually at the end of April and lasts until the beginning of May. It's intentionally organised at this time due to Labour Day (International Workers Day), as it includes two non-working days and brings more possibilities for visitors. 

During the Carnival, the town is full of colours, music, costumes and fun. The highlight of the Budva Carnival is the parade, which features dozens of floats and participants dressed in a wide variety of costumes. The parade is accompanied by live music and dance performances, and it winds its way through the streets of Budva, attracting large crowds of spectators. The town of Budva is usually well-prepared for the carnival so you can expect a blast this year too!

 

The rest of Boka Bay

Apart from Kotor and Herceg Novi, almost all of the small places in Boka Kotorska have their carnival days. Similar in one way, but different in another - Risan, Perast, Prcanj and Petrovac all have their events and traditions. These are all smaller-scale experiences compared to the above-mentioned carnivals and festivals, but as interesting as the big ones.

At these events you can see how all the locals breathe as one on the days of the carnivals, having fun, dancing and singing. They usually make a big puppet and give it a name that reminds them of something bad from last year, then burns it down as a symbol of letting the bad things stay in the past.
 
 

Notable mentions

 
Podgorica City Carnival 
The Podgorica City Carnival is another popular carnival in Montenegro, which takes place in the capital city of Podgorica. The carnival features a variety of events and activities, including parades, live music, dancing, and traditional food and drink.

Pljevlja Children Carnival 
Made for children, the Pljevlja Carnival is a traditional carnival that takes place in the town of Pljevlja, the northernmost city of Montenegro. This carnival is known for giving children the spotlight as it is all about them that day. They choose the costumes and make dance choreographies for their parents and older fellow citizens.

Check out our Events Calendar and don't miss these interesting events in Montenegro!