Every year on July 22nd, the tranquil town of Perast, nestled in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, comes alive with one of the Adriatic’s most unique and heartfelt traditions: Fašinada. This centuries-old event brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the enduring connection between the sea, history, faith, and community spirit.

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The Legend Behind the Tradition

The tradition centers around Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela), a man-made island with a beautiful Roman Catholic church built in honor of the Virgin Mary. According to legend, in 1452, two brothers from Perast discovered an icon of the Madonna and Child on a small reef in the bay. Interpreting this as a divine sign, the townspeople vowed to build a church on that spot. Over the centuries, they created the island by scuttling old ships and throwing stones into the sea—a process that continues to this day through the Fašinada.

A Ritual of Rocks and Reverence

The name “Fašinada” derives from the Italian word fascia, meaning “bundle,” referring to the bundles of rocks carried by the boats. As the sun begins to dip below the mountains on July 22nd, a procession of decorated rowboats, often manned by locals in traditional attire, glides across the water toward the island. In a symbolic and reverent gesture, participants drop rocks into the sea around Our Lady of the Rocks, reinforcing the island and honoring the vow made by their ancestors.

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Music, Tradition, and Community Spirit

Church bells ring out as the boats move forward, and the atmosphere is filled with traditional songs, prayers, and a sense of spiritual reflection. The procession is both solemn and celebratory—a ritual that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. It’s not just an act of remembrance, but an act of continuation. The people of Perast see themselves as caretakers of both a physical and cultural heritage, ensuring that their connection to the sea and their history remains strong for future generations.

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An Authentic Experience for Visitors

For travelers, Fašinada offers a rare chance to witness a living tradition that blends mythology, maritime skill, and deep community roots. Unlike larger festivals, Fašinada is intimate and authentic, with minimal commercialism. It’s a beautiful example of how Montenegrin coastal communities have preserved their identity through storytelling, shared rituals, and deep respect for their environment.

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A Quiet Yet Powerful Legacy

In recent years, Fašinada has also drawn interest from cultural preservationists and tourists looking for meaningful experiences beyond the typical tourist trail. It serves as a powerful reminder that some of the most profound cultural events are not those made for spectacle, but those rooted in daily life, faith, and collective memory.

As the final boat lays its stone and the light fades over the bay, Fašinada leaves a lasting impression—not just on the waters of Kotor, but on the hearts of those who witness it. It is, at its core, a tribute to the resilience and unity of a coastal town that continues to honor its past while quietly navigating the present.